PCT had better get a move on to claim some of the £750 million.

I suspect the end of the ill-fated Better Health Care Closer to Home (BHCH) project will be demonstrated if the PCT moves away from what was and acute led project and bids for some Local Care Facilities rather than leave it in the hands of the Acute Trust.

As you will be aware, last week the Government announced a £750 million cash boost for community hospitals and services.

The money - which will be available over the next 5 years - will help deliver more convenient services in local communities and people's homes, as set out in the White Paper 'Our Health, Our Care, Our Say'.

The investment can be used to convert old acute hospitals into community hospitals, renovate existing community hospitals, build new local health centres and poly-clinics, and fund home chemotherapy or mobile cancer scans.

The new generation of community hospitals and facilities will be able to provide care for minor injuries, blood and urine tests, x-rays, minor operations and outpatient appointments. This will mean better care for patients, who want more services delivered in their local communities and homes, and better value for money for taxpayers.

PCTs that want to start building, renovating or funding new services this financial year will need to submit proposals to their SHA by the end of September 2006.

Proposals for other schemes, ready to start in 2007/8, should be submitted by 1st December 2006.

The question needs to be asked, is the Merton and Sutton PCT making a bid by 1st December?