Seeing is believing in latest NHS saga

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.

A little like a mirage, the vision of a new NHS Trust where the "members" voice a strong opinion and the board of directors and council of governors accede to valid points, remains until proven otherwise, "tantalising.'

A good test would be whether future management would dismantle or amend the unpopular, punitive but highly profitable hospital car park charges system if pushed by its "members". It now costs 1 for the first 30 minutes at the Conquest, 2 for two hours. For anyone visiting a sick relative on a daily basis, parking charges can in total be a major additional burden.

And woe betide anyone who overstays their ticket limit to discuss something vital with staff, so incurring a 40 fine.

In principle, we believe the "local choices, local voices" concept is sound in principle.

We sincerely hope that when it comes to practice it lives up to its promise.