THERE is a quiet revolution taking place in this country's health provision. True, much of this change is being driven by politicians - but we should not allow our cynicism to be given too free a rein. For some recent developments really do make sense.

There is now an ageing generation of baby-boomers that has known nothing other than the NHS. The founding fathers advocated cradle-to-grave care and there are some people who maintain that such ideals are steadily being eroded. News of cuts and cash crises are never far away from the headlines - but that is still no reason to believe noble principles will not prevail.

For in order to move on, we may need to alter our way of thinking - and that is undoubtedly part of the logic behind the mobile medical fleets that will soon be offering everything from surgery to outpatient treatments. As hospitals become increasingly centralised, the demand for a new system of care-on-your-doorstep will steadily grow. This will go some way to solving the very real problems faced by people living in outlying areas who may encounter problems accessing services.

This newspaper also notes with some pride that the group running the mobile units is named after one of Worcester's most celebrated citizens - William Morris, born in the Faithful City in 1877. Of course, our older readers will know that he went on to become Lord Nuffield, the great capitalist and benefactor whose name became a watchword for innovation and mould-breaking.

Yes, we should still remain vigilant as far as the NHS is concerned. But that is no reason not to give this idea our best shot.