Anonymity is granted only at the discretion of the editor, who also reserves the right to edit letters.

Thanks to nursing angels for all their dedication

The NHS is constantly coming into criticism for under performing but my wife recently spent some weeks in Saturn Ward at the GWH until she passed away.

I only have the utmost praise for all of the staff in that ward who attended to my wife.

They are all wonderful, dedicated and very hard working.The shifts are very long but they never falter in their duties irrespective of their position on the ward.

I would also like to thank all of the paramedics who attended to my wife when they were called upon. The district nurses and Home Angels carers, you are all wonderful people who have my heartfelt thanks for all the care that you gave to my wife during her last days. Prospect Hospice have been excellent with their support. Once again massive thank you to you all.

Richard Albrighton, Tamworth Drive, Shaw

More must be done to help youth mental health

A disappointing postcode lottery in the amount spent by English regions on low level mental health services is highlighted in a recent report by the Children’s Commissioner.

The impact this is having on young people cannot be underestimated, and we fully support her conclusions.

At Childline, we hear from tens of thousands of children every year who are dealing with various mental health and wellbeing issues.

In 2017/18, we delivered 21,297 counselling sessions with young people concerned about anxiety – an increase by 55 per cent in just one year.

It’s encouraging that the South West of England is spending more than the national average on preventative and early intervention services such as counsellors, school nurses and drop-in centres. However, it’s clear more needs to be done to ensure children and young people receive more immediate help.

Demand for these types of services is increasing, but by offering early interventional help for those with mental health problems such as depression, anxiety or eating disorders, it can prevent such conditions escalating into adulthood.

The government has committed to transform children’s mental health services through the roll-out of new school-based mental-health support teams, but this is only set to cover a quarter of the country.

In these difficult financial times, the NHS has some tough decisions to make about the allocation of resources, however it remains vitally important that along with central government there is consistency when it comes to the provision of children’s mental health services.

Action needs to happen now to make sure children can access the right support at the right time, no matter where they live.

John Cameron, Head of Childline

No question of Bill’s Scottish ancestry

In reply to Mark Williams (SA April 10).He says I had better go back to Glasgow. I do now and again, but I would strongly advise him to keep away from Glasgow for at least a hundred years in case someone up there reads his letter.

He claims I have lost my Scottish identity. My family were in stitches at that one. Many people I know would agree with my family - my friends who jest about my broad Scottish accent after 48 years in Swindon. So might the people who have watched me address the haggis at charitable burns suppers in Swindon.Not to mention the people who have seen me watching Glasgow Rangers on the TV.

Let’s now look at the facts he states. He mentions that tartan was banned after Culloden in 1746. He does not mention that this act of Proscription was abolished in 1782 and that tartan is worn all over Scotland and the rest of the world as well as by members of our Royal Family.

He then goes on about Scotland voting to remain in Europe. No mention of Scotland voting to stay in the Union.

He states that my ancestors had no say in the Union of the Crowns in 1603. I wasn’t around at the time at the time, but putting a Scottish King on a throne that included England and Ireland might have seemed a good deal at the time. Their descendants in 2014, four hundred and eleven years later agreed at the ballot box.

Last but not least, he states that he trusts European politicians more than he trusts Westminster.Well Sir, I don’t trust any of them. I now quote him: “The only way the English could subdue the Scots was to erase their identity as they have done to you.”

May I suggest that he goes to any part of Scotland, gets on his soap box, spouts this nonsensical, historically illiterate garbage to the Scottish nation.

Don’t take bets on who would lose more than their identity on that one.

Bill Williams, Merlin Way, Covingham

Try, try and try again

As the local Council elections are drawing near, remember before you vote that a majority vote does not mean anything. ask Brexit voters,

If you do not like the the winner of that vote demand another vote

Gary Darling, West Swindon