The tragic death of Dr Kelly dominates the news and the proof of the terrifying nature of appearance before a House of Commons Select Committee for a highly educated but probably politically naïve person has brought home to me the awesome privilege of serving on a Select Committee. We have to wait for the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Dr Kelly's death, not necessarily to attribute blame, but in the hope of learning lessons that will prevent such a tragedy ever happening again.

Many people have written to me concerned about the future of the Lucy Baldwin Hospital. I was therefore pleased to chair the meeting on 21 July to discuss the proposals from the Worcestershire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust.

A crowded meeting left Sue Hunt, Chief Executive, in no doubt of dedication to the hospital and to its staff and the service they provide for vulnerable elderly people with mental health problems. We received an absolute promise that the hospital will not close but is to be developed to provide an even better service on the same site for the same people, their families and carers. In addition extra sheltered accommodation will be provided on the site.
We learnt that the proposed developments cannot take place without temporary closure of the hospital because of the impossibility of access for contractors and patients. The existing modern day hospital will be retained unless it is impracticable to link it in its present form with the rebuilt hospital. We were relieved to hear that discharge of patients during the run down of services for the interim period will be entirely left to the medical and nursing team responsible. We were all worried by the lack of firm plans and the probable time scale necessary to obtain planning permission and partners for the development.

Sue Hunt promised to investigate the time required for the planning process in case this should influence the timing of the temporary closure. The value of keeping the caring team together was stressed as was the desirability of local temporary day hospital and inpatient facilities.
The development will be overseen by a representative group of staff members, relatives and the CHC. The Chief Executive was open about the need to save money but I am confident that this group and indeed Trust Managers will never allow money to become the main focus of the proposed changes.

There is a long way to go but the County Council Overview and Scrutiny Committee with local councillor members will watch the process and another meeting will be called in due course for a progress report. A petition against closure signed by 2284 people was handed to me to emphasise still further the necessity of the continued service.

R.T.