THE statements by Mr Musgrove that Dr Taylor was a minor irritant and that Kidderminster was only a small part of services in Worcestershire, reflects an unfortunate attitude by the health trust during his chairmanship in arrogantly refusing to listen to the voice of local people.

The admission now that there would be a shortfall of 90 hospital acute beds in the county comes after I pointed out in a detailed submission to chief executive Pat Archer-Jones almost 18 months ago that there would be a shortfall of similar proportion based on the health authority's own figures, despite the additional beds that were built into the plan of the new hospital.

Typically, these assertions were flatly denied.

The chickens have now come home to roost and, predictably, they are now planning to re-open some beds to accommodate more extensive surgical operations.

Of course, this in no way allows for the return of any acute services which the population of Wyre Forest has overwhelmingly voted for, and I have been unable to receive any positive response from the chief medical officer as to whether the new Ambulatory Care Centre destined for the Kidderminster Hospital site will have the capability of providing such facilities.

GH EELES

Consultant pathologist (retired)

Fairfield Lane

Wolverley