WHEN it comes to hospitals, arguments as to whether small (and local) is beautiful or big (and centralised) is best will continue.

Surely the questions we should be asking now are, "Does the system brought about by the changes enable doctors to treat patients to the best of their ability? Are there any problems? How can they be dealt with?"

It seems that the continuing stream of "health horror stories" reaching the press, the present Wyre Forest MP and councillors echoes the experience of many.

They have had long waits in A and E or the Medical Assessment Unit at Ronkswood, been placed on ever longer waiting lists for surgery or had their operations cancelled at the last minute because patients with medical emergencies are filling surgical beds

Retired health service professionals may not be up to date with the latest medical techniques, but they have a wealth of experience in patient care.

There is now a new tide on the horizon, which could bring the solution to some of the problems brought about by centralisation. This tide should be allowed to flow into Kidderminster.

The arrival of a local medical assessment unit, which was linked into the Worcester system, would be a vote for common sense.

Making better use of the Kidderminster buildings for treating less serious emergencies and stabilising those who needed the expertise of the central hospital would go a long way towards unplugging the bottlenecks elsewhere in the county. It would help alleviate both human suffering and professional frustration.

ELIZABETH HOGGARTH

Muskoka, Bewdley