THE much-vaunted Treatment Centre at Kidderminster Hospital could not be as great an answer to Worcestershire's health problems as predicted by hospital bosses, a watchdog has warned.

Although the building, which opened in February, was a pivotal return of services to the downgraded hospital, it was unlikely to settle key issues, especially reducing the number of cancelled operations, it was claimed.

A health scrutiny panel set up to address the spiralling number of cancelled procedures said: "We are concerned that the issues causing cancellations are greater than can be resolved by this increase in capacity. It appears that (Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust) may be relying on an unproven solution to address many issues including the level of cancelled operations within Worcestershire."

The Treatment Centre, which caters for pre-booked operations, had made a "significant impact" on health services, members of the Health Scrutiny Panel at Worcestershire County Council said in a draft report.

Yet it remained to be seen whether it would be a major release of pressure at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch.

Concern was also expressed in the report, compiled with the co-operation of health bosses, that cancelled operation statistics could be "manipulated".

It said the trust, which runs the three hospitals, could improve its poor national ranking for cancelled operations by halting a procedure before a 24-hour cut-off point. Only operations cancelled the day before the appointment were counted in national statistics, although this was national practice, the report said.

"It is anticipated that this new practice may improve the trust's position in the national rankings," the report added.

The report came at a crucial time. Cancelled operations were one of the biggest problems facing the trust, especially with Wyre Forest patients, who had to travel 17 miles to Worcester for treatment. A total of 1,151 procedures were cancelled in 2003.

The trust had a target to get most cancelled operations re-scheduled within 28 days of the procedure date but this was getting worse and worse, the report said.

For example, of the 255 cancelled between October and December last year, 115 were not re-booked within that time.

The reasons why so many had been cancelled was plain to see, the report said.

The main reason was not enough beds, along with a lack of theatres, staff and pressure from a high number of emergency admissions.

Finance remained a major problem. A trust overspend of £15 million in 2003/04 could hamper efforts to bring down the number of cancelled operations, such as staffing levels.

It said: "Choices have to be made on how to make best use of the capacity available."

The report, including any changes, will go back to the panel next month.