A PUBLIC consultation period over moves to merge the Primary Care Trusts in Worcestershire, including Bromsgrove and Droitwich, comes to an end today.

This follows last year's announcement by the Strategic Health Authority about proposals which could see Redditch and Bromsgrove PCT merge with Wyre Forest and South Worcestershire.

Bromsgrove MP, Julie Kirkbride, and members of the independent forum that looks after patients' interests in the town have slammed the proposal.

Ms Kirkbride said: "I am opposed to the merger. The Bromsgrove and Redditch PCT is well run and keeps to its budget. I fear that it just wants us to soak up other trust's deficits."

Chairman of the Redditch and Bromsgrove Patient and Public Involvement (PCT) in Health Forum, Alan Tapsell said he feared the scheme was just a cost cutting exercise.

He said: "We are greatly disturbed. We have been given insufficient information to make a valid decision. Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favour of maintaining Redditch and Bromsgrove PCT's independence. "

Mr Tapsell, who feared the merger was a foregone conclusion, added: "How can the NHS justify its actions when the weight of public opinion is so massively against the merger? It is beyond our comprehension."

On April 5 a health authority board meeting is to be held in Redditch when members will vote on the proposal. Its recommendation, together with copies of about 1,000 letters received from the public, will then be sent to the Secretary of State to decide.

by Pat Smith