I would like to reply to PB Wyly of Culcheth regarding the NHS hospital proposals for Warrington and Halton.

I would like to offer my reassurance that he is not alone in concern about the proposed changes to the running of both hospitals.

I am chairman of the Older People's Engagement Group (OPEG) in Warrington - a group pledged to ensure the voice of older people is heard at every level in the planning and delivery of services in the town, especially for the more vulnerable older people such as the disabled and socially isolated.

We have made our voice heard throughout the consultation at the scrutiny meetings and stakeholder meetings to express our concerns about the hospital reorganisation.

We are also in contact with the project director who is co-ordinating the consultation.

Being aware of how the reorganisation will affect older people, we are trying to ensure that all the issues raised in the many groups we represent are highlighted and addressed before the changes take place. The issue of transport seems to be top of the list.

Eileen Fitzgerald Chairman (OPEG)