CONGRATULATIONS to the consultants who have spoken out publicly about the state of acute hospital services in the county.

How wrong to criticise the use of a secret ballot - probably the only means left to them after management appears to have consistently buried their heads in the sand over problems which have become increasingly evident to everyone else.

If the clinical judgement of such highly-skilled doctors had been taken seriously from the outset and acted upon rather than overidden or brushed aside, there would have been no need for them to "go underground." Consultants and their colleagues have responsibility for the safe and effective treatment of their patients and are better placed than anyone else to know whether they are able to provide high standards of clinical care within the framework they are obliged to work.

The medical representatives on the Trust board, it seems, do not reflect the views of the majority. Pouring additional funds into the system alone will do little to improve patient care or staff morale.

It is time to stop papering over the cracks and face the problems head-on. These consultants deserve recognition for their professional integrity. Their recommendations must be taken on board if previous standards of healthcare are to be restored

ELIZABETH HOGGARTH,

Bewdley.