DASH 2 committee members are saddened Keith Davison (Gazette letters May 29) has failed to grasp the significant recognition and concessions DASH 2 has already received from the Kennet and North Wiltshire Primary Care Trust.

The fact that we have met face-to-face with the PCT chairman and chief executive shows we, on behalf of the people of Devizes, are the only means of directly influencing the decisions being taken.

That DASH 2 has been offered two places on the committee that will oversee the Green Lane project means we will have first hand-knowledge of its progress and influence over its development. That is more than just recognition it puts the people's views into the decision-making process as the project gains momentum.

At the meeting of the PCT, held in public on May 22, we asked the following questions, subsequently put in writing to PCT chief executive Barbara Smith:

Why is no facility proposed for the care of common ailments, such as severe asthma attacks and pneumonia or provision for palliative and intermediate care beds?

What is to be provided in Devizes when the minor injuries unit ceases to be a 24-hour service later this year?

What is the minimum staff provision required to fulfil 24-hour care in the home, and how are we to know if that is being maintained? Also what criteria are to be applied to ensure the quality of such service is suitable?

While a quantity of information about the requirements of mothers has already been received by the PCT, the attempt to increase usage of Devizes Maternity Unit has scarcely begun. No significant increase in usage can be expected within 12 months for obvious reasons.

In the light of these factors, why is the decision about the viability of the unit to be taken in September? And why is it to be based on an expensive £5,000 survey, which only reflects theoretical use of the unit, rather than conditions on the ground?

The impact of changes proposed in this document is that costs are being removed from the PCT's budget, and handed on to other providers and stakeholders, in particular, the patients and their families, who will fund the longer journey times by loss of work time, possibly income and by increased transport costs and increased use of private transport.

Has anyone in the PCT examined the long-term effect of these changes on the overall health and well-being of the communities which they affect?

Given that there were amendments made by the board to the proposals, when is the trust going to issue the amended document? We await a reply from the PCT.

All the above shows that, contrary to the opinion held by Keith Davison, and possibly others, we are not just taking whatever the PCT says, but are actively ensuring Devizes gets the best of what is available.

We need to raise funds to continue retaining our health services in Devizes and will be embarking on a programme of fundraising. Contact the town hall to offer your help, or to obtain any further information.

If you want to find out more there will be an information stall at Devizes Hospital fete on Saturday at 2pm.

P M Winchcombe

Chair, DASH 2 Devizes Town Hall