SIR – In his letter about the strategic review of hospital services (Worcester News, June 29), N Taylor asks, “Why is Andy Roberts deeply involved in this review of medical services necessitated by government cuts?”

I am pleased that he has raised this vitally important topic but I need to address his misunderstanding about my role as the chairman of the health overview and scrutiny committee.

The committee is made up of district and county councillors of all parties from throughout the county.

Rules say that the NHS must consult us on any matter which is considered to constitute a “substantial change” in the way services are delivered.

When considering the review of hospital services my predicament as chairman is to ensure that committee members can speak up for the interests of their local communities without forgetting the need for improvements throughout the county.

As a committee we are challenging the strategic review and its findings by being “constructively unreasonable”.

We know that there is no place for political opportunism and that public judgement must be formed by truths rather than myths.

This will mean that when the final decisions are made even those who disagree with the outcome will understand the reasoning.

Last year I was asked by the health review team to become directly involved with the project on one of its committees.

The health overview and scrutiny committee members and I decided that this would prejudice my position and in hindsight I am glad that I maintained my independence by keeping my distance.

Councillor ANDY ROBERTS
Worcester