THE Kidderminster Times of December 23 proclaims "24-hour boost for A&E.

"A health watchdog has dubbed the news that doctors, not nurses, will staff Kidderminster Hospital's casualty unit 24 hours a day as an excellent early Christmas present.

The improved plan comes after months of negotiations with Worcestershire Health Authority by Wyre Forest MP David Lock", it goes on to say.

However, in a recent pamphlet published for the public by the health authority and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, no mention of this appears.

Indeed, in a similar one for GPs it is stated that the A&E department will be staffed by nurse practitioners.

Could this be a Christmas present that has broken down before even being tried?

Over to you for comment, Mr Lock.

Dr RD JOHNSTONE

District councillor

Rock and Ribbesford

Bliss Gate Road, Rock