CLEARLY from comments made in the World from sources other than our own, there is real concern within the field of health provision in Halton.

We understand that the chief executive of North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Paul Cronin, had been invited to address the Social Care and Health Policy and Performance Board.

Even though Mr Cronin couldn't make the meeting, we commend the Board for their initiative.

Local authorities now have some responsibility for addressing the issue of scrutiny in certain health matters.

Scrutiny is an important word but an even more important function, to be addressed with a serious approach and method of determining that what is being relayed is indeed taking place and in the spirit of any Government guidance.

There can be no room for any slack approach to the practice of scrutiny.

Of course we're not suggesting that will be the case here in Halton, but it is worth making the point.

In addition to all the comings and goings at Halton General (or should we just leave it at goings?) there is another issue, which is health related and we, as Halton residents, need to take heed.

That is the OFT report currently before Government and relates to deregulation of pharmaceutical dispensing.

There is an implicit threat to the facility of having a local chemist operating in our local communities.

We're told that this report appeared in the main due to pressure from the supermarkets that wish to open dispensaries.

If it sounds ok, then think about it.

If deregulation comes into being then, due to the supermarkets purchasing power, the dispensed items may be available a little cheaper to the public.

Should the local chemist be in the position of not being able to compete on price then closure looms?

Supermarket operations have had a devastating affect on local shops and there is no reason to think that the same will not hold good for chemists in the future.

So we may face a situation where we purchase medical items a little cheaper, but the total cost of getting our hands upon the items may be much higher than is the current position.

If you value ensuring that you have a local facility to collect your medication, than write to your MP asking them not to support deregulation.

Cllrs Dave and Ellen Cargill, Members Room, Grosvenor House, Runcorn