Regardless of getting a recommendation in the previous week that southerners could forward their views by writing letters to the Director-General of Health, Stephen McKernan, with their worries in regards to the neurosurgery service plans, no letters have yet been received by his office.

Health Minister, Tony Ryall, who came up with the recommendation in Dunedin last week, has received no more than a handful of letters from people, who have shown a desire to retain the Dunedin service.

The membership and terms of reference of the specialist review panel to counsel Mr. McKernan on the gridlock between the Southern and Canterbury district health boards over the approaching local service are not expected to be declared, until July 18.

South Island district health boards have settled that there should be a district service with six neurosurgeons available, however, whilst Canterbury wants all six in Christchurch, Southern wants two to be in existence in Dunedin.

Dunedin-based National List MP, Michael Woodhouse said yesterday that he had received around six to 10 letters showing support to the retention of services in Dunedin.

He met some docs and others on the street, who thanked him for the support that he has offered in regard to this, up to now.