TODAY we have dedicated far more space than we would normally do to one man’s opinion.

Here we have printed a very long open letter from Dr Bryan Smith, Chairman of the NHS in Worcestershire, to the people of the county. We do so because of the significance of what he has to say and the importance of the health service to our readers.

Dr Smith has perhaps the best overview of the health service in the county, so when he decides that he needs to go public with his concerns over government reform plans of the NHS, we need to take notice.

His main concern is to re-assure people that the local health service is safe and secure and will continue to provide good care to people.

We trust he is right.

But the picture he paints of ‘organisational mess’, demotivated managers, staff ‘jumping ship’ and cost cutting is one that the government need to heed.

The government have already announced a ‘pause’ in their reform plans because of the outcry against them. Some people fear the planned changes are motivated by dogma and are a step towards more privatization, others worry about the upheaval of radical reform.

Dr Smith’s comments today add an extra dimension – however well-meaning, how well-planned are these changes?

The government say the pause in their reform plans is so that they can listen to people’s concerns and alter proposals accordingly.

We trust they will be listening to Dr Smith’s message and will take on board what he says.