HEALTH chiefs could soon team up with Halton Council to deliver a more efficient, patient-led service as part of a radical NHS reform.
The board of Halton NHS Primary Care Trust (PCT) has voted for more time to explore developing a partnership with the local authority.
Chairman Jim Wilson said: "The senior management team is working on this. A number of option papers are being developed."
Merging with St Helens PCT or both PCTs joining Warrington PCT are two other proposals being considered to meet new Government targets to commission services rather than provide them.
The board will choose their preferred option, in public, at an extraordinary meeting at 2pm in Runcorn Town Hall on Friday, October 7.
Halton Council leader Cllr Tony McDermott said: "What is important is our particular and unique problems of health in Halton are not swallowed up in a much bigger area.
"There is a danger of us being with a huge PCT with St Helens and Warrington. We have made our case, we will have to wait and see what happens."
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