THE GPs' statement on the county health shake-up does not read to me as glowing support for the changes at Kidderminster Hospital.

I would recommend that members of the political and chattering classes (on both sides) should do a little less crowing and shouting and read what the statement actually said rather than what they think it said. Preferably with the blinkers off.

It might be more accurate to consider the doctors' position as accepting the changes to accident and emergency services rather than one of support.

The doctors' statement also goes on to strongly criticise the way in which the changes have been managed and makes some suggestions about what services could sensibly be provided at Kidderminster.

The statement provides an agenda of issues which the health authority and the trust must be forced to respond to.

So far the political class has limited itself to abusing or praising the messenger for the comments on A &E (depending on which set of blinkers they are wearing) .

Sadly no-one appears to be responding to the doctors' extremely critical statement on the changes.

Is it too much to ask that people stop using the issue as a political football and address the real concerns raised by the doctors?

CHAS TOWNLEY

Hurcott Road

Kidderminster