Carol ClarkeHEALTH managers have been asked to learn lessons from past experiences as they prepare to launch a major review of healthcare in Wiltshire.

Patients will be able to comment on bed closures, threats to maternity units and temporary closure of minor injury units during the process, set to last well into 2006.

The single management team, covering West Wiltshire PCT and Kennet and North Wilts PCT, is taking what it calls a fresh look at health services it buys and provides.

This will mean examining the role community hospitals have to play.

For the remainder of the year the Pathways For Change review will concentrate on listening to the views of local people and groups, followed by a formal consultation in early 2006.

Pathways For Change was due to be launched at a stakeholder's assembly in Chippenham Hospital yesterday.

Mrs Clarke, chief executive for both trusts, and her senior management team have met with leaders of the Health and Overview Committee and the national Independent Reconfiguration Panel to draw-up what they hope will be a transparent and inclusive review.

John Thompson, chairman of the scrutiny committee, said the PCT management must learn the lessons from past reviews.

"I understand the need for this review and wish the PCTs well in this complex task," he said. "They know that the members of the scrutiny committee will be paying close attention to the way they do it and of course what they propose at the end."

The IRP, a public body set up to advise the Government on health service changes, was brought in to offer its views on the PCTs review process.

Chairman Dr Peter Barrett said: "The IRP is pleased to be involved and offer advice at this stage.