THE closure of the Royal Infirmary's Castle Street site tomorrow, for most, will mean a new venue for hospital treatment or a familiar city building in need of a new purpose.

Both are true, of course, but it would be unforgivable to let the landmark's historical role pass without comment.

To say that the level of medical care we enjoy in this country - indeed, the world - owes its existence directly to the building might strike some as an overstatement. If so, we'd only be guilty by degree.

Because it was in the Infirmary's boardroom that The British Medical Association was founded - as the Provincial Medical and Surgical Association - by Dr Charles Hastings in 1832.

Until then, there'd been no regulation of the profession and anyone, whether qualified or not, could practise as a doctor.

The Association lobbied for a regulatory body and this led to the setting up of the General Medical Council in 1858.

It also campaigned on behalf of doctors providing medical care under the Poor Laws and on other issues.

Almost 150 year later, its work remains as relevant. The fight for better NHS funding brings its work right up to date.

The Chancellor, Gordon Brown, might cherish some thanks for the small shoots of recovery appearing in the service.

But every rise in cash - even the most modest - has come as a result of hard lobbying.

Even though the NHS still needs huge sustained investment, that's a testimony to the BMA's convictions and its tenacity. It's a remarkable legacy for Castle Street, and Worcester.