IT IS billed as the biggest shake-up in west Wiltshire health services since the inception of the National Health Service almost 60 years ago.

Two months late and laced with controversy, the West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust's strategic review was unveiled last week, writes CRAIG EVRY.

The burning issue of night-time casualty units has sparked the biggest outcry but the review points towards groundbreaking changes in all areas of health provision.

Health chiefs have taken stock of existing facilities and resources at west Wiltshire's five community hospitals, spelling out changes they want to see made and want the public to get involved in a three-month consultation process.

High-profile public meetings will be held in each of the five towns and are expected to attract unprecedented levels of interest. But the trust's vision of the five community facilities working as one district hospital is a vision not shared by everyone.

Town councillors believe the idea of hospitals specialising in one area of healthcare is tempting fate, with officials moving away from the concept of local people being treated in local hospitals.

A detailed health assessment of west Wiltshire's ever-growing population was drawn up earlier this year to help trust members develop the review blueprint.

Detailed research into areas of health, mortality and social deprivation revealed spiralling rates of teenage pregnancies, child poverty and skin cancer cases among females.

The review has been backed by some of the trust's main partners but health chiefs are encouraging town residents to come forward and have a say.

Former trust chairman Angie Barker, who left her post a week before the review was unveiled, said: "This is all about making sure west Wiltshire has the right healthcare services to take it forward into the next decade."

A trust spokesman denied the proposals were set in stone and said public opinion could make all the difference.