CONCERN about local hospital services remains high.

I visited Canterbury recently to talk to campaigners about the similarities between our hospital problem and theirs. The meeting was very well attended and the audience attentive.

Their problems are almost more illogical than those which have taken place in Worcestershire.

I have also been contacted by the local paper in Dunfermline, where they face downgrading following a merger between two DGHs, 11 miles apart.

This emphasises the importance of current studies to find a fair, consistent solution for the provision of emergency services in local hospitals across the country.

I attended a useful adjournment debate on hospices where the level of Government funding for these institutions was highlighted.

The hospice movement depends on charitable sources for more than two thirds of its income. In our own case it is sad that the health authority has been able to get away with not funding hospice beds in our own hospital.

At the request of constituents worried by the events of September 11, I asked the Secretary of State for Health about the numbers of major trauma casualties that could be received and treated simultaneously at hospitals in Worcestershire.

He tells me that there are spaces for up to 12 patients and two resuscitation bays at the Alexandra Hospital, Redditch, and for up to seven patients and three resuscitation bays at Worcester Royal Infirmary. The new hospital will have spaces for 20 patients and four resuscitation bays.

The county's major incident plan includes an escalation process whereby hospitals in neighbouring counties are progressively involved as necessary.

There was an urgent extra meeting of the health select committee on December 3 to hear from the National Audit Office about the financial arrangements behind private finance initiative hospitals.

I opened the Wednesday painters' art exhibition in Stourport and was impressed by the talents displayed and tutored so well by Molly Dowell.

The Lucy Baldwin Christmas fete was a tribute to all staff members who worked so hard in festive gear to raise money for the unit with stalls and games.

I believe that there is still uncertainty about my contact details.

For surgery appointments please ring 01562 753333. If the answerphone is on, please leave your name and telephone number.

Letters should be sent to the House of Commons, London SW1 0AA, and contact with me on the telephone is best arranged through Mrs Mary Price on 0207 219 4598.