SIR, South Cumbria Community Health Council is still very much in existence (The Way I See It, April 12).

Recently, members have discussed matters concerning the car parking at Westmorland General Hospital, Kendal, and the A&E Review at WGH.

Members of the CHC are part of the WGH A&E Review Team and as well as attending meetings have been engaged in on-the-spot checks at A&E, which included midnight cover.

The CHC arranged public meetings in Kendal to discuss the Helme Chase Review, with local representatives from the (old) Morecambe Bay Health Authority and consultants concerned with the changes.

The re-provision of Ulverston Hospital was also discussed at public meetings.

Questionnaires given to the public were sent back to the CHC for analysis and then forwarded to the trusts.

To keep members informed of any changes proposed to services in Morecambe Bay, representatives from the trusts are invited to give presentation talks then stay to listen and answer any objections/alternative proposals/comments etc., from members at either council meetings or meetings in the CHC office.

South Cumbria CHC is still represented on many various health groups within Morecambe Bay and attends all trust board meetings, Barrow Local Health Group, and the South Lakeland Local Health Group meetings; representatives have full speaking rights at these meetings.

They continue to monitor waiting lists, bed-blocking, the implementation of National Service Frameworks for mental health, older people, diabetes, children services, etc., all of which are a concern at local level as well as nationally.

An annual casualty watch will be held again this year with members participating at WGH and Furness General Hospital.

The Cancer Awareness Roadshow, which is held with support from the CHC, was well-attended by members of the public.

Members are still visiting the various health departments and wards at FGH and WGH - unannounced visits ceased many years ago, yet the trust still welcomes CHC input and comments from these visits.

Members were extremely dismayed to read Mr Aris's comments as this CHC is still working very hard behind the scenes to ensure that the public and patients in South Cumbria receive the best possible services and healthcare available and will not hesitate to point out to trust representatives when they feel services could be threatened or improved.

The CHC also continues to receive new complaints and/or advice on NHS issues from members of the public each week.

The office is continually asked about the availability of NHS dentists and GP services within Morecambe Bay.

Our last annual report is at present being printed; we will be pleased to send Mr Aris a copy - then let him say we have been 'sleeping in our kennels' for the last 12 months.

Mrs B.

Knagg, Chairman,

South Cumbria CHC