PATIENTS will not be sent miles away from home when Warrington and Halton Hospitals merge, new chief executive Mike Deegan has pledged.

He says the creation of the North Cheshire Hospitals NHS Trust does not indicate any changes in the configuration of patient services and any such future plans will need to be linked to improvements in transport arrangements. Inter-site transport is already in place and Mr Deegan has commissioned a dedicated bus service from April 1 between the hospitals so that demand can be assessed.

And he says the merger will have a number of benefits for patients including:

a greater range of services as a result of pooled expertise and resources

faster services

increased investment as a result of reduced administration

increased innovation

greater equity of treatment and care across North Cheshire

the ability to develop more flexible working for staff

Mr Deegan said: "This is an exciting opportunity to build on excellent work.

"We are keen to create an environment in which services can develop and thrive, thus maintaining two highly regarded hospitals."

The 38-year-old chief executive was appointed by chairman Norman Banner and his two non-executives Dr John Beacham and Doreen Shotton, in consultation with the NHS Executive. He says he will not be based totally on either site as it is essential there is senior management presence on both sites. Details have not yet been finalised about Mr Deegan's salary.

Mike Cooke, former chief executive of Halton Hospital will take over the role at South Staffordshire Healthcare NHS Trust from April 1.