THE tragic death of Dr Kelly dominates the news.

Proof of the terrifying nature of appearance before a House of Commons Select Committee even for a highly-educated person, brought home to me the awesome privilege of serving on a select committee. We now must wait for the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Dr Kelly's death, not necessarily to attribute blame, but in the hope of learning lessons which will prevent such a tragedy ever happening again.

Many people have written to me concerned about the future of Lucy Baldwin Hospital.

I was, therefore, pleased to chair the meeting on Monday to discuss the proposals from Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

A large gathering left Sue Hunt, chief executive, in no doubt of the dedication to the hospital and to its staff and the service they provide for vulnerable elderly people with mental health problems.

We received a promise the hospital will not close, but will be developed to provide a better service on the same site, for the same people, their families and carers. In addition there will be extra sheltered accommodation on the site.

We learned the proposed developments cannot take place without temporary closure because of the impossibility of access for contractors and patients. The existing modern day-hospital will be retained, unless it is impracticable to link it in its present form with the rebuilt hospital. We were relieved to hear discharge of patients during the run down of services for the interim period will be entirely left to the medical and nursing team responsible.

We were all worried by the lack of form plans and the probable time scale necessary to obtain planning permission and partners for the development. Ms Hunt promised to investigate the time required for the planning process, in case this should influence the timing of the temporary closure.

The importance of keeping the caring team together was emphasised, as was the necessity of convenient temporary day hospital and in-patient facilities. The development will be overseen by a group of staff members, relatives and the CHC. The chief executive was open about the need to save money but I am confident this group, and indeed trust managers, will never allow money to become the main focus of the proposed changes.

Worcestershire County Council overview and scrutiny committee, with local council members, will watch the process and another public meeting will be called for a progress report. A petition, signed by 2,284 people, was handed to me to emphasise still further the necessity of the continued service.

I believe we can be reassured of the commitment of the trust to the development and to management of the interim period in the best and safest way for patients and staff.