IN his reference to the report of the Scottish Health Advisory Service (SHAS) into mental health services in East Glasgow, your reporter did not make reference to the positive comment contained within it (September 27).

For example, the commendation of the trust and its joint planning partners for developing a strategy for a modern community-based health service supported by service users, managers, and clinicians; and praise for the trust's hostel care project dedicated to ensuring that homeless people receive the services they need.

Also the commendation of the detailed planning effort and resources put into the management of the closure of Gartloch Hospital, which the report stated was carried out ``with regard for the needs of patients, staff, and relatives'', and praise for the befriending scheme and advocacy project run at Gartloch Hospital.

Finally, there was an appreciation of the commitment of the staff involved in the Care Programme Approach pilot scheme aimed at helping particularly vulnerable people in the community.

Four members of nursing staff from the trust were among a total of 25 from throughout the UK honoured at the annual Nursing Standard Nurse '96, awards held in London on September 25.

Health visitors Jackie McFadyen and Ruth Laing were joint winners of the Child Health Award and two other members of staff, Sheem Gill and Ishbel White, received commendations in the Mental Health and Elderly Care awards respectively.

This is a remarkable achievement on the part of these individuals and a timely reminder of the high standards of clinical care provided by thousands of nursing staff throughout Glasgow.

Andrew O Robertson,

Chairman, Greater Glasgow Community and Mental Health Services NHS Trust, Gartnavel Royal Hospital, 1055 Great Western Road, Glasgow.