THE announcement that Wyre Forest Primary Care Group is to be upgraded into an NHS Trust may not be entirely the good news David Lock believes.

As I understand it, trust status means that the new trust can instruct doctors as to where they can refer their patients for treatment, thereby reducing the choice of both doctor and patient.

The wishes and needs of patients are being disregarded, as the present overwhelming condemnation of Worcestershire Health Authority's misguided plan demonstrates.

It is to be hoped that these new trusts will reflect their patients' views, and not submit to government pressure.

MALCOLM COOPER

Former health authority

chairman,

Trimpley