THE Primary Care Trust is very aware of the anxiety this issue is causing the Alzheimer's Society and the vulnerable individuals it cares for.

The factors which have conspired against the Society are unfortunate but the PCT cannot solve problems simply by placing more money on the table and it cannot justify paying the Society over 100 per cent more for the same service.

The PCT is not reducing funding and, indeed, it will be maintaining its existing level of funding, even though the Society will be changing the level of service it provides.

We are now concentrating on examining the individual needs of those who have been supported by the Society to determine how best those needs can be met in the future. We shall continue to work very closely with the Society.

PAUL BATES,

chief executive, Herefordshire Primary care Trust.