NOT too long ago Mr Ian Woolley, who was a leading figure in the management of health care in the Blackburn area for many years, expressed public concern about the financial state of the NHS in the area.

With that in mind, it is worrying that two medical wards at Queens Park Hospital are apparently to close next month for financial reasons.

News of the planned shutdown of medical rehabilitation wards B1 and B2 has shocked and distressed staff who question how managers can persist in the development of a new 'super hospital' when they do not appear to have the resources to equip and run the hospital they have now.

The trust's acting chief executive says 'consultation' is taking place and a decision has not yet been made and a "more detailed statement" will be made when it is.

Disturbing too, is the comment of the chairman of the Patients' Forum - the body set up to look after consumers interests following the axing of watchdog Community Health Councils by the government.

When it was announced that the Forums would be based inside the hospitals fears were expressed about their ability to be independent.

Now the chairman tells us she didn't know of the closure adding: "I don't think we are getting the information we should."

The public need answers now.