It was interesting to read about Dr Gavin Francis’s book Recovery in your editorial on the value of convalescence (23 January), but there was no mention of the kind of convalescent home that I went to after surgery in the 1980s and 90s, and my mother in the 1950s and 60s.
During a stay of a couple of weeks, you had someone checking you were all right, a doctor looking in once a day and, most importantly, good meals and company.
These homes do not seem to exist any more, as the post-treatment role seems to have been taken over by hospitals (ie bed-blocking) or care homes, though long-term care is not generally needed. It would be an excellent idea to bring them back to relieve pressure.
Marian Nyman
Whitstable, Kent
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