Seeing is believing in latest NHS saga

WILL the public truly have a "say" in the running of their health service if East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust is successful in gaining Foundation Trust status?

As the public consultation process gets under way this remains at once the key point in the existing trust's call for public support for its bid and the great imponderable of the whole procedure.

In Greek mythology, Tantalus' punishment for a plethora of sins, which included cannibalism and human sacrifice, was to stand in a pool of water beneath a fruit tree with low branches. Whenever he reached for a fruit the branches receded from his grasp. Whenever he bent for a drink the water receded before he could take a sip.

Based on previous experience of countless NHS reforms, the public '“ wholly innocent of Tantalus' mischief '“ could be excused a little "we'll believe it when we see it" cynicism over Foundation Trust objectives.

The call at this week's Bexhill public meeting was for a minimum of 45,000 people in East Sussex to register as "members" to enable the bid for Foundation Trust status to go forward. Members would be able to stand for election as governors, "influence" proposed changes and be "involved" in development plans.