STROKE patients face uncertainty under the proposed £15m radical shake-up of hospital services, a crusading campaigner claimed this week.

Plans for a rehabilitation unit are in the pipeline but no cash has yet been secured to pay for it.

Hospital chiefs say a GP-led facility, provided by Halton Primary Care Trust (PCT) could be developed but no firm decision has been made.

"I am deeply disappointed," said anxious Bob Bryant, chairman of the Patient and Public Involvement Forum and Let's Go Stroke Club.

"I have made it abundantly clear we need this service. Halton is very good at rehabilitation but once it closes we will be struggling to get it back.

"I'm really concerned that the PCT may not have the funds to pick it up."

Halton has one of the highest numbers of stroke victims in Britain.

All acute medical cases, including strokes and heart attacks, will be treated in Warrington, under the proposed changes.

Mr Bryant is keen for stroke patients to be transferred back to Halton to recuperate, making it easier for relatives to visit and patients to prepare for discharge.

"We want reassurance from the PCT that this aftercare will be available."

Runcorn MP Mike Hall echoed his plea. He said: "In principle, the PCT has agreed to provide a rehab unit but we want to see the colour of their money.

"Professor George Alberti who independently reviewed the plans said there was no reason why patients who no longer need intensive care, couldn't receive interim care at Halton."

A spokesman for Halton PCT, said: "The future intermediate care arrangements are part of a longer term process which will involve assessing the need and then entering discussions with our partners at North Cheshire Hospitals Trust and Halton Council."

Hospitals trust chairman, Allan Massey, said: "My board has agreed to look at a secondary care model, run by GPs, within the hospital.

"We will assist them in any way possible."