But over the last few weeks, The Bucks Herald has reported on the findings of a damning inquiry into the handling of superbug outbreaks at flagship Stoke Mandeville Hospital and last week revealed that the new Buckinghamshire Primary Care Trust, due to come into existence in October, will start life with an £18 million deficit.

Staff are currently being consulted on ways to reduce this overspend and services including community nursing, out of hours nursing cover, health visiting for children and school nursing services could all face the spectre of cutbacks.

Over the next 25 years, more than 21,000 extra houses will be built in the district, putting a massive strain on infrastructure including public transport, roads and, of course, health.
Today we challenge Patricia Hewitt to reassure residents of the Vale that local health services, already under considerable strain, can cope with an ever-swelling population.

Ken Ross, vice president of Age Concern Bucks, believes if proposed cutbacks to community nursing and out of hours nursing go ahead, the consequences for the elderly could be disastrous.

He said: "We would be in a situation where lives might be lost if ancillary care for the elderly who have been discharged from hospital is reduced.

"If an elderly person doesn't feel too well, they may think it will sort itself out in a day or two rather than seek help. These savings could put someone in a position which is more expensive. I am very concerned about what might happen in the short and long term for the elderly who require regular medical visits."

It appears that the future is also playing on the minds of frontline staff. Andy Courage is the Royal College of Nursing representative for the Vale of Aylesbury Primary Care Trust. He is due to meet with worried union members today (Wednesday).

He said: "The document proposes that clinical services are hit firmly. This is a worrying time for professionals and the possible effects on patient services. I am meeting with people concerned not only for their own jobs but also any outcome on patient care.

"There is simply not enough money and there is uncertainty amongst staff and patients that at the start of a great new dawn, there are still a lot of questions to be answered."

The county's five MPs, John Bercow, Cheryl Gillan, Paul Goodman, Dominic Grieve and David Lidington, said they were alarmed at the possible cuts.

A joint statement read: "We are shocked at these proposals and gravely concerned at the effect they would have on local residents.

"We will be seeking a meeting with the PCT chief executives before they take any decisions in order to make sure that our constituents' views are represented."

The Bucks Herald is calling on Mrs Hewitt to allay the fears of the people of Aylesbury Vale, Bucks as a whole and many other parts of the country.

This problem is not unique to Bucks - we need to feel sure that our health services can cope with our needs. Mrs Hewitt - the people of Aylesbury Vale are waiting for answers.

To make your concerns known, sign the petition above and return it to Dear Patricia Campaign, The Bucks Herald, The Gatehouse, Gatehouse Way, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP19 8DB.

o This article was first published on August 9, 2006