The planning group which has been set up to consider the future development of health services in West Wales met in Carmarthen on Friday, June 29. The planning forum which meets in public, includes representatives from the Trusts, Local Health Boards, Community Health Councils, Local Authorities, professional bodies and other organisations interested in the provision of health care in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. It will oversee work to develop closer links between the acute hospitals in the three counties and between hospitals and services in the community. At the meeting, the members of the forum agreed the terms of reference and principles that will support the work. They were updated on the progress of the first service groups that are taking forward the work of linking up services in the three counties and on developments in Information technology that can support improvements to services. The planning forum members also agreed criteria for the consideration of clinical networks, an approach to public engagement and a communications plan, recognising the importance of these issues to the success of the forum. Chair of the planning forum, Dr. Bruce Ferguson, said: "This was a very positive meeting which demonstrates the level of agreement and commitment to the work of the Planning Forum. The work of developing proposals for integrated services will be clinically led. Building on the strengths of the existing services through the establishment of robust clinical networks, I am confident that we will move to a more sustainable delivery of the service, improving both access and quality." Bernardine Rees, the chief executive of Pembrokeshire LHB and the project director for the planning forum, said: "The remit of the planning forum is about how we respond effectively to health need in what is a very challenging environment. There needs to be a review of service to achieve improved community structures, a more efficient hospital service and an improved alignment with social services. It is really important that we are very honest with the public and we need to develop more robust engagement processes." The next meeting of the planning forum will be held at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on August 30.