DOCTORS will vote next month on whether to accept a shake-up of health care in Worcestershire.

GPs will be balloted on Friday, July 20, about the plan to turn Primary Care Groups (PCGs) in the county into Primary Care Trusts, which the Government claims will lead to a more "focused" health system.

A consultation programme was set in motion yesterday. Seven public meetings have been scheduled and anyone wanting a document explaining the changes can call 0800 064 6746.

"The Trusts will provide all patient care outside hospital services," said Neill Bucktin, the chief officer for Worcester City PCG.

"If the GPs aren't in favour it means the Secretary of State for Health won't let the PCTs go ahead, but the response from doctors has been very positive so far."

A PCT has already been set up in Wyre Forest, and Worcestershire Health Authority intends to create similar organisations in South Worcestershire - which comprises Worcester, Malvern Hills and Wychavon - as well as Redditch-Bromsgrove.

The South Worcestershire PCT would have a budget next year of about £180m.

The health authority's consultation office is interested in hearing from people keen to become non-executive Primary Care Trust board directors, working up to five days a month. It can be contacted on 01905 760000.

Meanwhile, a question mark hangs over the future of Worcestershire Health Authority, which will be abolished in its present form when the Trusts start operating in April, 2002.

Although nothing has been confirmed, there is speculation that a "sub-regional" body representing Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Warwickshire and Coventry will be established.