COOKHAM DOCTORS have decided not to become involved in a Government scheme which will allow patients to choose which hospital they want for their treatment. This scheme, to be in operation by December, is to give all patients referred to hospital the right to choose their preferred hospital.

The latest newsletter from the Cookham Medical Centre, published by the patient participation group, points out that the local medical committee has advised practices not to become involved in this project of "choose and book". It is felt that funds are insufficient to reimburse the extra cost and time involved. They are also concerned that the software is, at present, untested.

Rosemary Holland, practice manager, says that under the government's version of the scheme, patients would be offered a choice of four or five hospitals at the time of referral and would have information to guide them to their choice. Patients would then be able to book their appointment within 24 hours after making their decision. They would have local aftercare and rehabilitation after treatment at their chosen provider. Eventually all bookings would be made through a central bookings system accessible by all doctors, consultants and staff.

The newsletter says that by the summer a service should be in place for patients to book their hospital appointment dates within 24 hours of their GP deciding to refer them.

The main concerns for the GPs are lack of clear information, workload implications, concerns about patient confidentiality and the belief that this latest scheme is not the best way to offer patients appropriate choices about their treatment. So the doctors at Cookham have decided to watch and wait despite the promise of financial rewards and will only operate this new system when it has been proved.

WARMER WEATHER and sun in between showers can encourage opportunity thieves and Cookham's beat officer PC de Haan is anxious residents should make sure houses are left secure without open windows. Garden sheds should be padlocked well and lawn mowers and garden implements should be marked with a name or postcode.

Recent crimes include the theft of a small boat called Tip 2 stolen while moored at The Ferry pub and a theft from a car parked in Terry's Lane.

COOKHAM RISE Primary School's Summer Fete was a big success with over £3,800 being raised for new gym equipment. Torrential rain meant activities had to be moved to the school hall and the Maypole dancing had to be cancelled. The wide range of activities included a silent auction.

TWO SPECIAL SCHEMES are starting at Holy Trinity Church churchyard, where the small band of volunteers finds it impossible to maintain the flower beds and edges.

So you are invited to look after a specified flower bed in the churchyard or parish centre garden. Also regular work parties are to be started on the first Friday of every month between 6pm and 8pm. Volunteers can just turn up and help keep the churchyard flourishing.

Canon Glyn Evans the diocesan rural officer will preach at the 9.30am parish eucharist on Sunday at Holy Trinity Church.

A service with musical contributions from young people will be held on Sunday, June 12, at 6.30pm.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES are being organised at the Alfred Major Recreation Ground, from August 15-26. There will be a mobile entertainment project. The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead and Liz Kwantes of the Cookham Youth Project are planning the activities.