There is growing disquiet throughout the NHS as further changes planned by the Government leak out.

Substantial extra funding for health services had been welcomed in the past year or so, but it is now evident that much of the increase is flowing out the NHS into the private sector, using public funds to set up private treatment centres, allowing firms to take over the management of hospital buildings and staff, while also paying heavily to use so-called 'independent sector' facilities.

New developments revealed last month show that yet more changes are to come, when Primary Care Trusts will have their functions reduced.

The public have not yet become familiar with the PCT structure set up only about four years ago.

Now the five PCTs in Oxfordshire are to be merged into one, it is rumoured.

Community health staff, such as nurses, health visitors, mental health workers and podiatrists, are unsure of their future as possible private sector employees in a new environment.

The long-established cooperation between all sections of our health services is to be replaced by competition for patients.

To discuss what can be done to save the NHS, a conference is being held on Saturday, October 22, from 10.30am to 3pm, at Headington Parish Hall, Dunstan Road, behind the JR Hospital.

For information, call 01865 248588 or 515195. ML STANTON (Mrs), Summertown, MERCY HEATLEY (Dr), Old Marston, Oxford