I AM disappointed to learn of the 11th hour efforts of Friends at Stroud to delay the establishing of Gloucestershire Care Services.

As a humble lay person, I have worked closely over many years with those responsible providing Health Care in this county and particularly here in the Forest of Dean. My mind goes back to the days of Severn NHS Trust, Glos Community Health Council, Glos Health Authority etc.

In those days I remember the Chief Executive Designate for this new body was locality manager for the Stroud area. Like her colleagues in other parts of the county, she would be well versed in local issues.

A few years ago I travelled to the Department of Health with some local GPs to protest (which we did successfully) against the closure of the two Forest hospitals. Lord Warner, the Health Minister in the House of Lords, amongst other things, requested us to come back to the Forest and consider the setting up of a SET (Social Enterprise Trust), now CIC.

Over the years there have been numerous meetings which have failed. Recently the chair and chief executive designate addressed a very well attended meeting of the Forest of Dean Health Forum, where they were vigorously questioned. Other meetings have taken place.

The general consensus, I believe, is that we have much to gain from this organisation. That we should continue dialogue with them, that we might get the best services we can.

The idea and promise to work well with voluntary organisations could prove to be a blessing. Currently, I am a Trustee of two such organisations and I realise the difficulties that we are experiencing and likely to experience. The Glos Care Services could be a lifeline for us here in the county. We must keep services under one body. It scares me to think of these services that we currently enjoy going to the open market, causing chaos.

Finally, I and others are concerned about the well-being of all the staff as they need some stability. We don't get the best out of unhappy people.

All I would say to our colleagues in Stroud is: "Give Glos Care Services a chance".

John Hale MBE

Bream