A DAMNING report on a west Wiltshire health trust has found it is paralysed by financial constraints and not meeting the level of services patients should expect.

The report, published this week by The Healthcare Commission, highlights eight areas where West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust needs to take urgent action.

The report states: "The PCT is paralysed by financial constraints within the health community, which has hampered the development of a number of services.

"Staff are committed to providing a quality service and many patients are happy with their care.

"There is a lack of leadership and decision making within the PCT that has led to an uncoordinated approach to much of its business."

The report studied patients' experiences at 12 GP surgeries, 19 dental practices, 17 pharmacies and 14 optometry and secondary services.

Now West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is setting up an action plan in response to the report.

Acting chief executive Stephen Golledge said: "The findings of the Healthcare Commission are disappointing, highlighting areas where we have not provided the level of service our patients have the right to expect.

"The report highlights areas where we really need to improve such as infection control, how we manage our systems and how we communicate with our staff, our health community and the public.

"We are working on a detailed recovery plan, which will be agreed with Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Health Authority.

They have highlighted their concerns to me, but we are being supportive in working with us to put matters right.

"We are confident our plans will resolve our financial position and improve health care services in this part of Wiltshire."

Changes since the review was carried out seven months ago include shortening of waiting lists, new management structures and a plan to control finances.

Peter Biggs, chairman of the Public and Patients Initiative Forum for the area, said: "They do not have very good consultation or communication procedures with the patients.

"We know the PCT is broke, that is no secret, but following the report the trust has to have a financial action plan so they can get rid of the debt, but they must also put into action all the concerns raised by the Healthcare Commission."

Areas of urgency

THE report by the Healthcare Commission has identified eight areas where West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust must take urgent action. The trust has responded with the action it is taking in each area:

Leadership: The trust has introduced new management arrangements and the post of permanent chief executive has been advertised.

Waiting lists: The trust says it has halved the amount of patients waiting more than six months for treatment.

Long-term planning for community hospitals, out-of-hours services, mental health and maternity services: The trust has appointed a new director of strategic service change.

Risks to service delivery from staff and estates: The trust has appointed a new acting human resources director this week.

Management of infection control: Public health director Dr Pamela Akerman will work to control infection on health premises.

Workforce planning: A key priority for the human resources director.

Communication: The director of strategic service change and communications managers are to resolve the issue.

More involvement for GPs, pharmacists, optometrists and dentists in PCT business: The trust has proposed robust procedures.