THE decision of St Albans and Hemel Hempstead NHS Trust to close two wards for elderly people without feeling the need to consult anybody is staggering.

Health is an emotive issue and it seems those who make decisions that affect us all have yet to realise the value of being open and honest, rather than cagey and evasive.

Health authorities and trusts will no doubt complain they fight a losing battle trying to persuade people that they are working hard to provide the best care for us all.

But they hardly help their cause when they are perceived to act in a unilateral way and only reveal information when they are asked direct questions.

Can our local trust be surprised at the reaction when people are told the last two wards for the elderly are to close at St Albans City Hospital?

If it had released a statement announcing its intentions and explaining the move's benefits, perhaps people would have been happier.

As it is, people have once more been left feeling let down by the health service and with little confidence their input will make any difference in the review of services now being carried out by West Herts Health Authority.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.