PLANS to amalgamate the management of the Hampshire and Surrey Ambulance services to create a new NHS trust will be scrutinised next week at a public meeting.

Residents in East Hampshire have been invited to the public meeting at Alton Collage on Wednesday which has been organised as part of the public consultation on the proposals.

The consultation document, entitled Delivering Modern Ambulance Services in the South East Region of the NHS, outlines proposed changes for the whole of the region and details about why the amalgamation plans have been put forward.

Under the proposals the eight ambulance service trusts which cover the region will be replaced by three new ambulance trusts including the new Hampshire and Surrey trust.

Ministers hope that the proposals will modernise ambulance services and provide "a truly patient-centred service".

The consultation document describes how ambulance services must continue to develop if they are to make the maximum contribution to a modern NHS.

It says that the proposals have been put forward to improve the management of the ambulance service and hopes to;

r Deliver the best care for the individual patient's needs.

r Give consistent, high quality care based on evidence and best practice.

r Make use of new technologies so that it can respond to patients' needs more quickly

r Ensure that staff are well trained and motivated and have the skills they need

r Collaborate across organisations to give better support to staff and maximise the resources available for the care of patients.

Although the plans do not include any proposals to relocate or reduce the number of ambulance stations across the two counties, certain services would have to be organised at a sub-regional level.

The NHS Executive South East Regional Office is hopeful that next week's public meeting will allow residents the chance to give an informed response to the plans.

If the proposals are adopted then the new Hampshire and Surrey Trust will come on-line on April 1 2002.

Wednesday's meeting at Alton College is due to start at 7 pm with consultation on the plans ending on September 7.