West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today welcomed news that the primary care and the community hospitals will be handed over to a new Community and Mental Health Trust. But the MP expressed surprise that an option previously rejected by the NHS Worcestershire board was now being adopted. Harriett commented: "I am astonished and mystified that we seem to be back where we were nearly six months ago when this option was first agreed by the board. “I am sure people will see why we urgently need to strip out layers of bureaucracy from the NHS and focus resources on delivering the best possible patient care. “I know that most PCT staff, patients groups, Friends and health professionals wanted a community health trust option. “As it is I understand that this March option has the support of the staff and patient groups.” The MP led a series of eleventh hour meetings with Health Secretary Andrew Lansley and his team in the run up to this week’s board meeting to ensure that all options could be considered. The Community Trust option had been overwhelmingly supported by staff, support organisations, health workers and patients but the NHS Worcestershire board had refused to consider the proposal. However in a last minute U-turn, the board followed requests from Harriett to consider fresh approaches and the Community and Metal Health option was accepted unanimously.