ONCE again accusations are flying about the lack of consultation over health services.

This time the row involves the relocation of podiatry services from Cross Hills Health Centre to Skipton Hospital.

The move was already a "fait accompli" when the news was made public. Patients had no opportunity to express their opinions and, unsurprisingly, they were not impressed.

Had they been consulted, they would, at least, have felt their views had been taken into account and might even have come up with a compromise solution.

But now Craven Harrogate and Rural District Primary Care Trust is faced with a lot of very angry patients.

The powers-that-be must not forget that patients are the most important factor of any health care provision.

The past is littered with similar stories - the physical rehabilitation unit in Skipton to name but one - and, sad to say, our pages will probably feature them again in the future.

There is a glimmer of hope, however. The PCT is to ask Craven district councillors to put forward alternative locations so, even at this late date, a satisfactory solution could still be found.