IN your edition of September 19, you reported the official opening of the new hospital at Newtown by Health Secretary Alan Milburn.

"It faces a challenge" he said "to make sure it provides the best care for the county's 550,000 residents".

Let us hope it succeeds. But with considerably fewer beds than the facilities it replaces at Kidderminster, Royal Infirmary and Ronkswood, it is certainly doubtful. Patients for surgery can be in and out quicker than before, but even so, medical experts recommend 15-20 per cent more beds than those already existing in order to cater for the rising number of aged patients requiring hospital treatment.

Many of us have warned of this position over the last three to four years, but without success.

It appears that every PFI hospital already built, being built or planned, has fewer beds than the facilities they replace; partly it is claimed because of greater clinical efficiency but mainly, I suggest, in an attempt to meet the exorbitant cost of the PFI system.

Alan Milburn continued by saying that under no circumstances would services be returned to Kidderminster and he could not go back on the advice of expert Professor Ara Darzi, who had apparently published a report on the situation.

Who is this expert that is so knowledgeable on local Worcestershire health requirements?

A politician is most unwise to use the words "under no circumstances" for the electorate can change many circumstances.

C C VYVYAN-ROBINSON,

Martley, Worcestershire.