STAFF at Chorley Hospital are concerned about the future of some of its services if a proposed merger goes ahead.

The Joint Staff Side, a board of 16 representatives of the different trade unions at hospital, fear essential services may be transferred to Preston or even Wigan, if Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust merges with the Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust.

An announcement regarding the merger was made two weeks ago, saying it would take effect from next April.

Secretary of the Joint Staff Side Janet Howarth said: "None of the unions or professional bodies have been consulted about the proposal, which is a legal requirement. The trusts unified the management structure two years ago promising to review the arrangements after a year but this review has not taken place.

When the merger was announced, a joint statement from Brian Booth, chairman of the Preston trust, and Jim Breakell, acting chairman of the Chorley Trust, said: "The proposed merger will not involve any reduction in our services or in the number of people we employ." But Mrs Howarth said their main fears were that:

blue light emergencies would be diverted to Preston or Wigan;

24 hour accident and emergency at Chorley would be closed;

some major surgery would be transferred to Preston;

intensive care beds at Chorley would be moved;

and staff would be left feeling alienated and demotivated.

Jeff Moore, chief executive of both trusts, said that many of these issues would be discussed at the next board meetings for both trusts, as well as a recommendation that the respective trust boards ask the regional director to seek the permission of ministers to consult on a formal merger.

He said that if that goes ahead, there would be a formal consultative document which would be submitted to the general public and all interested parties.

"That covers a period of three months so there is no question whatsoever of undertaking any action without open and proper consultation with all interested parties," he said.

The trust meetings are open to the public. The meeting for Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust is on July 30 while the Preston Acute Hospital NHS Trust meeting will be on July 31.