I AM writing to express my extreme disappointment and dismay at the proposal to award the contract for the proposed new Darzi clinic for St. Neots to Malling Health and to urge reconsideration. I firmly believe that, in the very best interests of St Neots

I AM writing to express my extreme disappointment and dismay at the proposal to award the contract for the proposed new Darzi clinic for St. Neots to Malling Health and to urge reconsideration.

I firmly believe that, in the very best interests of St Neots and district citizens, the contract should be awarded to the consortium of local GPs, managers and health workers. This would ensure continuity of patient care undertaken by the professionals who know us best.

My wife and I have been patients at Cedar House group practice for 26 years and we are delighted and satisfied with the care and service we have been afforded.

You may say, therefore, that nothing will change for us if/when Malling Health opens the new clinic, but this is certainly not so. Inevitably, some existing Cedar House and other local group practice patients will leave for whatever reasons, and such a drop in patient numbers will have a negative impact on the existing service. What a kick in the teeth for the local professionals who have cared for us for years.

I have attended patient consultation meetings arranged by the Cambs PCT and from the outset I asked whether, despite all rational arguments, an accountant would have the last word.

We were assured that the lowest cost tender would not be favoured at the expense of quality and continuity of care and other vital service issues, but from what I have read in the press and heard (very little) from the PCT, this is exactly what has happened.

Our local GPs and associated health teams are prepared to be flexible and innovative in the staffing of this potentially wonderful facility, and are undoubtedly the best team for the job. Therefore I would urge the Cambs PCT to urgently reconsider in their favour.

PAUL DAVIES

Woodlands

St Neots