Having family close by can make a huge difference to the recovery of patients. Having good quality accommodation for family is an absolute must and should be part of the development plans of the new hospital.

Why not build them on top of the hospital rather than try and find an area of land close by. What we have in Bega is a prime example of what can be done with good planning.

I used this accommodation when my husband was in hospital. Not knowing anyone nor my way around Canberra (I come from Wollongong) it was unreal to be close as I never had a car up there as friends took us. Pleas don't close.

I realise parking is important for families of patients, but so is this accommodation. We have used your accommodation on many occasions for treatment of loved ones and of oneself. Without this service I could not afford or find accommodation close to the hospital for treatment.

We are fortunate to have a wonderful hospital here in the Valley, but not all services are available to us. I have had two cornea transplants and unable to drive myself. The service this accommodation gives so close to the hospital with a canteen is invaluable.

I know many families who have used these services and are so grateful that they are available to us. Please find another way and keep these services open.

This has been one of the most wonderful services in the ACT for people who live long distances from special health care. From the Bega Valley we have used this great service many times, 25 years ago with my mother having radiotherapy. Then myself for an MRI. Again when our son was ill, and his wife and daughter stayed while he was in IUC.

I have stayed to support good friends when they have need someone. We have stayed to see specialists at the hospital. I have stayed three times in the last month to have a PET scan, to see a oncologist, and next week to see a radiotherapist, then I am starting radiotherapy and chemo therapy together for cancer, over next seven weeks this will be our home.

I cannot imagine with all this news in one week for us to then have to go "what do I do now, where do I stay, how can I afford to have this treatment to save my life?"

It is the most awful stressful time in your life and to have to choose between have the treatment or not would be indescribable and so unfair. Because we live too far from Sydney and too far away to come and go daily for treatment. So please, please find a solution to this life-saving, peaceful, safe place we can relax, heal, cry and support each other at a very difficult time in our lives.

I object to the proposed plan to close accommodation at Canberra Hospital. Especially as there seems to be no plan to replace this service. People who travel to Canberra for treatment need this service for themselves and their carers.

As many treatments are Canberra Hospital are not available in Bega what are the consequences? People cannot afford to pay for Canberra hotels, they may even have to consider if they get treatment.

Please consider the harm this decision will make to lots of regional patients.