By Paola Alvino PLANS to merge Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust with Wrightington Hospital are now out for consultation.

The proposal has been welcomed as "a great step forward" by the Community Health Council (CHC).

And the people of Leigh are expected to support the plans after a consultation exercise last year revealed most felt Wrightington was part of the Wigan service anyway.

The proposal states: "There is a real synergy between Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust's need to invest in expanding capacity but lack of space, with Wrightington Hospital NHS Trust's need for capital investment and relative abundance of space.

"Bringing the two Trusts together will help solve difficulties in recruiting consultant medical staff and long waiting lists and waiting times for surgery."

Health chiefs claim the merger will give staff more varied career development and flexibility in working arrangements.

It will also reduce management and administrative costs - producing savings they say will be spent on patient care.

If the merger goes ahead in April next year, savings of more than £500,000 are anticipated.

Leader of the council Cllr Peter Smith said: "I think it's a good move.

"It will bring into our orbit a centre of excellence with a world reputation, giving Leigh people access to top quality surgeons."

CHC Chair Cllr David Kelly from Golborne, said he was enthusiastic and positive about the proposal.

"Wrightington is probably the finest orthopaedic surgery hospital in the north west, so it will help us attract the best consultants as well as adding to the facilities on offer for the people of Wigan and Leigh."

He said the CHC's main concern was to ensure there was adequate public transport between Leigh and Wrightington."

Helen Hand, CHC chief officer, said a public involvement campaign would be launched by the CHC in October to find out people's views.

"We particularly want to know any concerns about access to Wrightington, but there may be other issues that come out."

The consultation period ends on December 1.

Comments can be made in writing to Robert Tinston, regional director, NHS North West, 930-932 Birchwood Boulevard, Millennium Park, Birchwood, Warrington, WA3 7QN.

Or visit www.doh.gov.uk/nwromergerconsultations.