HEALTH chiefs announced today the merger of two hospital trusts.

The Chorley and South Ribble NHS Trust and the Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust have agreed that the two should merge as from April 1, 2002.

A joint statement said: "As one Trust our vision for the future is to build on strong foundations and to lead healthcare from two high quality modern teaching hospitals.

"The proposed merger will not involve any reduction in our services or in the number of people we employ. Indeed it is intended there will be new opportunities for further expansion to take place."