What scrutiny?

2:33pm Thursday 17th April 2008

THANK you for publishing my letter on the role of Wiltshire County Council's Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. This has encouraged me to look further into this matter and ask questions.

It appears that there was a remarkable alliance that tried to stop the closures of community hospitals, Trowbridge Maternity Hospital and a further dilution in our medical services.

Our local MP spoke in the public forum supporting the move to refer the closures to the Secretary of State together with two other members of this committee, the former Labour Group leader at west Wiltshire and a Lib Dem.

I do not think you could get a broader spectrum of political opinion, all three supporting their communities, their needs and making it their priority.

The Health Scrutiny Committee is not the only body set up by the legislation to watch over our health care. There is the Public and Patients Involvement Forum (PPIF), according to their website their role is: "The forums will play a vital role in making sure patients' and the public's views are heard and acted on by all those involved in making decisions. The functions of the forums have been laid down by law; this means they will have real power to make a difference, not just discussion groups."

I do not think that health scrutiny in Wiltshire is working and I wonder if your readers will agree.

PETER EZRA, Labour Councillor, Westbury Ham Ward