As part of a cost cutting exercise by the North Devon Community Health Trust Holsworthy Hospital will no longer have a matron.

It was only at the beginning of this year that the current matron, Rachel Hooper, took over, sharing responsibility for both Holsworthy and Torrington hospitals, following the retirement of Liz Jones who served almost six years as Modern Matron.

Now Holsworthy hospital, along with Ilfracombe, South Molton, Bideford and Torrington Community Hospitals are to be run by one manager.

Jane Wells, practice manager at Holsworthy Health Centre, said she knew that the NDCHT was looking to save money, but was 'disappointed' with the news and feared that other members of staff would have to take on new responsibilities without increased remuneration.

This is a further blow to health services in the town as last July, Devon doctors withdrew their Sunday service from the hospital and transferred the GP time to Barnstaple. District and Town Councillor Richard Brown said once again cost cuts were being made at the expense of the rural community.

A consultation document outlining the plan was brought to the attention of the Holsworthy Hospital League of Friends at their Annual General Meeting last Wednesday evening.

Members expressed their dismay and the chairman John Allen proposed that they send a letter to the PCT expressing their concern and dissatisfaction. He thanked the management and staff for continuing to make the hospital such a caring and comforting place to be in during often distressing circumstances. He assured them of the continued support of the Friends.

They agreed to purchase 28 wardrobes and bedside cabinets with lockable drawers for storing patients' medication at a cost of £9,250, an inflatable device to help to lift patients who have fallen costing £1,144 and donated £400 for patients' Christmas presents and festivities.

The following committee members were elected to serve for the coming year: chairman — John Allen, vice- chairman — Kelvin Isaacs, treasurer — Charles Yelland, secretary — Sylvia Harris, subscription secretary — Muriel Chidley.