I AM very disappointed that your headline article "Health Centre faces sell-off" (Malvern Gazette, May 25) presents such a negative view of the future health service developments in Malvern.

I was present at the meeting on the previous Monday with Chris Bocock (Malvern Council) and Sue Hunt (Worcester Community Health Trust) as a representative of Malvern Hills Primary Care Group. The primary care group commissions services from the Trust.

We had a very positive discussion on the future of health provision in Malvern. It was recognised that many buildings need to be improved, expanded or relocated. This includes Malvern Hospital, Malvern Health Centre and at least two general practice surgeries in the town.

Malvern Hills PCG is committed to develop the health services which meet the needs of the local population, delivered as near to the patients home as is practical and to improve the health of the community. The PCG works in close partnership with Malvern Council, Worcestershire County Council's Youth and Social Service and the voluntary sector.

Now is the time to consider the needs of patients, carers and health workers in developing a holistic approach to health for the town. Malvern needs more services delivered locally for local people. For example, developing rehabilitation services could tie up with the second article on page 3 ("New sports hall option fielded"). If we are to create new facilities at Seaford Court, why not include the sports hall? This could encompass the hydrotherapy pool combining sports, rehabilitation and physiotherapy, which would make available healthy activities for all ages including the elderly.

The debate on the future provision of health services in Malvern has just begun. Malvern Hills Primary Care Group wishes to involve the public at all the stages of development and seek active public participation in the projects.

Perhaps the Malvern Gazette will present a more positive view in the future, encouraging the public to support these new and exciting developments. Views on any health matter will be appreciated and should be made to Adrian Giles, Commissioning Officer MHPCG, or Terry Bottomley, the lay member of the board, through the PCG office.

Dr David Payler, Chairman, Malvern Hills PCG.