I AM writing, as a consultant physician, to clarify the feelings of the consultant body about proposed changes to obstetric and paediatric services at Fairfield.

The argument put forward by the Strategic Health Authority is that the Crumpsall area is more deprived, with proportionately fewer adults having cars. They would not, therefore, be able to travel to the sites which do have in-patient facilities.

It is our belief that if that same argument was applied uniformly, then Bolton paediatric and maternity services would also be downgraded and a new site built at Hope Hospital in Salford! We can see absolutely no reason to waste money on building a new site, only to down regulate an existing site (Fairfield) which functions well.

The consultant body usually opposes stand-alone maternity units where there is no consultant-led maternity unit on site. Sites, such as Rossendale, have been closed or are having their future considered (Chorley).

We fully support re-organisation of services, but feel it must be made objectively and rationally. Cost-effective use of tax-payers money has to be a key consideration, but at the same time the NHS is governed by other factors such as the European Working Time Directive.

An example of funding misuse is Birch Hill Hospital in Rochdale, which is currently being downgraded with a view to closure -- this after at least £20 million was spent developing it.

Multi-million pound reorganisations require careful planning by people who are capable of achieving it successfully. It is our feeling that the paediatric report by the Strategic Health Authority displays "political" influence of some description. The integrity of those who have overseen this process, and the amount of clinicians' time wasted, should also be considered. It is unacceptable and it is for that reason that I have sought a detailed response from Neil Goodwin, the chief executive the Strategic Health Authority. I am still awaiting it.

It was very heartening to see the support at the town hall on September 13 and to witness the support of our two MPs, who have also questioned the rationale behind the proposals. The NHS can no longer afford to make expensive mistakes. Those entrusted with this job must get it right from the start.

I would like thank the public who have already shown their support, not only for paediatric and obsteric services at Fairfield, but for other services we are continuing to try to provide. It is only with their continued support and understanding that we can do so.

ANTON SINNIAH,

chairman, consultants committee.