TORY MP Peter Luff wants a referendum to decide the name of the new £95m Worcestershire Hospital.

The Mid-Worcestershire MP is backing calls for the building to be granted Royal Status.

But he has clashed with his Labour rival and health bosses over exactly what it should be called.

City MP Mike Foster and Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have written to the Government and the Queen asking for it to be named The Royal Worcestershire Hospital.

But Mr Luff wants to stick with the proud tradition of calling it Worcester Royal Infirmary.

The buck stops with Home Secretary Jack Straw -- who will make a recommendation to Buckingham Palace on the hospital's name.

And Mr Luff has formally called for him to reserve judgement until the public has had a full say.

In a written Parliamentary question, he said Mr Straw should make it his policy to consult the residents of Worcestershire in advance of contacting the Queen.

He covered all bases by making the same request of the Health Secretary, Alan Milburn.

"I think this is the kind of issue on which people should be allowed to give their views," said Mr Luff.

"I always thought it would be called WRI and I was amazed to see there was talk of a name change.

"The best thing is for the public to have their say and see what they prefer.

"It's a small thing -- but that doesn't mean it's not important."

The hospital is due to open next year -- with the old hospital expected to be bulldozed and turned into residential accommodation.

Mr Foster said he still hoped it would be given the name Royal Worcestershire Hospital.

"I'm reluctant for the word infirmary to remain in there because it conjures up images of poor houses," he said.

"But the most important thing is the quality of care which people receive there."

The Home Office, which has not yet responded to Mr Luff, said it was still considering what advice would be given to Buckingham Palace.

6 Opinion: P10