HEALTH bosses have yet to appoint a new clinical assistant to reopen the Westbury stroke unit, but they say progress has been made.

The unit, which cares for stroke victims across west Wiltshire, closed temporarily on January 2 because West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust could not find a replacement specialist.

The post was advertised nationally after the PCT's initial local recruitment drive failed and three potential candidates were interviewed last month. This week the PCT said a doctor has now been earmarked for the post, but more negotiations were needed before an appointment could be finalised.

Health bosses have admitted that even if this is confirmed it will still be a further three months before the unit is up and running again.

The closure has angered west Wiltshire campaigners, who are still very concerned about the unit's long-term prospects.

Jenny Clements, chairman of the Friends of Westbury Community Hospital, said: "It means the future of the stroke unit is not secure. We are left in the hands of the PCT.

"I would be very upset to think that the sticking point was money. I am very concerned about what's going on across west Wiltshire.

"I had hoped that the decision would've been made by now. But even when it is confirmed, it will still be another three months before he or she is in place.

"If the stroke unit doesn't reopen we don't know what the future will be for the hospital.