Kennet and North Wiltshire PCT's newly revealed 'economies with the truth' about the proposed 'savings' to be achieved by closure of Devizes' award-winning maternity unit, come as no surprise to DASH2.

We have always maintained that their figures didn't make sense, and, indeed, that was one of the main reasons why both Kennet and North Wiltshire, and the Wiltshire Health Overview and Scrutiny panels looked unfavourably on the proposal, the latter finally referring it to the Secretary of State, Dr Reid, allowing the unit to remain open for the time being.

Whatever revelations may still be to come about that troubled period in the PCT's history, DASH2 is well aware that there has been a regime change at Southgate House in

Devizes, and would like to think that such duplicity and incompetence will not happen again.

It is to be hoped that this new information will act as a reminder to the current PCT board of the mountain they have to climb to restore local people's trust in them.

So far DASH2 reserves judgement, and hopes to find they have learned the lesson, as we work more closely with both Kennet and North

Wiltshire and West Wiltshire PCTs during the strategic review inaugurated by Carol Clarke, the new CEO of both PCTs.

It remains the committed aim of DASH2 to see as many health services as possible retained in the Devizes community area.

If you would like to hear Carol Clarke speaking about her plans, please come to our AGM on Tuesday, May 24 at 7.30pm in the Cheese Hall, Devizes. For further information, please contact the secretary: Judy Rose, DASH 2, The Town Hall, St John's Street, Devizes, SN10 1BN.

J Rose

Secretary DASH2