A PATIENT group has added its weight to calls to reject a possible merger of Redditch & Bromsgrove Primary Care Trust (PCT) with others in the area.

Redditch & Bromsgrove Patient & Public Involvement in Health (PPI) Forum has voiced concerns over proposals to reconfigure three Worcestershire PCTs into one larger trust.

The plans come as part of proposals to revamp the NHS, along with creating a larger Strategic Health Authority (SHA) and a regional ambulance trust.

Last week, the Advertiser reported Worcestershire County Council's cabinet had voted in favour of the change to the PCT, in spite of public opinion against the plan, as well as opposition from Redditch Council.

PPI Forum chairman Alan Tapsell said it appeared there was insufficient data, both commercially and financially, to make a valid decision on plans to merge the Redditch & Bromsgrove PCT with nearby Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire PCTs.

"In a patient-led NHS, the patients' wishes should be considered.

''In this case, it would appear they are not," he said.

"Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of maintaining Redditch & Bromsgrove PCT's independence."

Mr Tapsell said the forum strongly felt the reconfiguration would not be in the best interests of any of the three PCTs.

"The present configuration has only been up and running for three years, with Redditch & Bromsgrove PCT making remarkable progress towards excellence.

''This is not the time to make radical changes," he added.

"How can the NHS justify its action when the weight of public opinion is so massively against the merger?

''It is beyond our comprehension."

Consultation on the proposals for the PCTs, SHAs and ambulance trust end today.