HEALTH chiefs claim that patients in Leigh can look forward to a more efficient health service with the merger of Wigan and Leigh Services NHS Trust with Wrightington NHS Trust.

The two services have joined together to form Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust and health chiefs hope the new system will create stability and many new opportunities. Patients will benefit from Wrightington which is a worldwide centre of renowned excellence and Wigan and Leigh Trust's reputation as a thriving and busy provider of comprehensive and high quality service.

They say there will be many changes for the better, including the creation of a new Musculo-Skeletal Directorate which will progress the development of orthopaedic and rheumatology services in the area. The new Trust will employ 5,500 staff and continue the previous efforts of both organisations with efforts to improve waiting times, patient involvement, emergency care and developments such as neuro-rehabilitation, vascular surgery and patient environment and food.

Trust chairman Andrew Foster said: "It can only bring benefits to staff and patients alike." Chief Executive of Leigh Primary Care Group Ken Cuthbertson said: "The formation of the new NHS Trust is a tremendous opportunity to improve services to our community. Change is never easy, but it is a challenge I know everyone will meet." Leader of Wigan Council Peter Smith said: "This is a clear sign of continuity and provides a framework of stability for staff in the Trust at a time of considerable change and uncertainty."

MP Lawrence Cunliffe said: "Modernisation in the NHS means taking steps to transform the health service so that it is redesigned around the needs of patients. The creation of the Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust exemplifies this approach."