I WAS disappointed to see in your paper that the new hospital at Newtown hopes to be called the "Worcestershire Royal Hospital".

The Royal Infirmary honour cannot equitably be transferred to an entirely new hospital, in a new building, at a new site, until that establishment has earned its Royal laurels by demonstrating its overall excellence.

At long last the Worcestershire Acute Hospital management has admitted that the new hospital will not have enough beds or parking spaces.

This situation does not inspire confidence regarding the possible efficiency of the interior facilities or organisation and staffing levels.

Time alone will tell, but to designate it "Royal" at this stage is indeed premature and merely demeans a much cherished accolade.

I shall think of it as the New Newtown Hospital, neither Royal nor Worcestershire, as it will not belong to this County but the PFI consortium for at least 30 years, maybe longer.

Despite all other claims, it is now clear that the Kidderminster area was deprived of its comprehensive hospital facilities in an effort to find the extra money to pay for the exorbitant cost each year of this non-Royal, non-Worcestershire hospital.

C C VYVYAN-ROBINSON,

Martley,

Worcester.