AN MP has hit out at a decision to merge the eight Hertfordshire primary care trusts into just three. Peter Lilley, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, condemned what he called the continual round of NHS reorganisation . The 303 primary care trusts in Englan

AN MP has hit out at a decision to merge the eight Hertfordshire primary care trusts into just three.

Peter Lilley, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, condemned what he called "the continual round of NHS reorganisation".

The 303 primary care trusts in England are to be merged into 152 larger trusts in a move meant to save £250m and lead to better working with social services.

Mr Lilley said: "This seems to be yet another round in the endless process of re-organisation and centralisation within the NHS.

"The constant bureaucratic turmoil we have had under this government absorbs an enormous amount of energy and resources that would be better spent on the detailed improvement of clinical services."

A spokesman for North Herts and Stevenage PCT said: "The decision to form one PCT for East and North Hertfordshire will build on the joint working arrangements already in place across the four PCTs it covers.

"A PCT of this scale will also ensure that we are able to commission the very best services for local people and still retain the important local links we have built up over the past five years.