Two local Labour MPs clashed in the Commons over merging Bradford's health trusts.

Bradford North MP Terry Rooney yesterday urged the three bodies to 'come together' as soon as possible. But Keighley's Ann Cryer warned against any attempt to merge the Airedale and Bradford NHS Trusts.

The merger of the three trusts covering the district was first raised last autumn in calls by Bradford Labour MPs who wanted savings made by reduced bureaucracy from mergers ploughed into patient care.

But the move was vehemently opposed by Mrs Cryer and Airedale NHS Trust bosses and staff, who launched an immediate campaign to scupper any merger. The idea was dropped after ministers made it clear any link-up could only be achieved by consent.

The latest disagreement came in last night's debate on health and welfare proposals which the Government set out in the Queen's Speech.

Mr Rooney claimed local doctors were delighted at changes to the health service in the Bradford district by Labour, including the abolition of fundholding GPs; £43million extra cash since the general election; and Bradford's selection as one of the first Health Action Zones.

But, he said, there were too many hospital and community health trusts with too many executives and senior staff.

Bradford has a hospitals trust covering St Luke's Hospital and Bradford Royal Infirmary and a community health trust, while Airedale has a combined trust.

"The sooner they come together, the better," he said.

But Mrs Cryer said: "Recognising the special place Airedale Hospital holds in the hearts and minds of the people of my constituency, I hope that Mr Dobson is persuaded that to merge the Airedale and Bradford NHS Trust would be extremely unpopular and ill-advised - in fact, not even worthy of consideration."

Ian Donnachie, chief executive of Bradford Health Authority, said: "The health authority and three NHS trusts in the district have continued to meet regularly to strengthen links and partnerships across clinical, professional and managerial groupings.

"These discussions are predicated on the Government's policies of partnership working and breaking down barriers have not involved trust mergers."

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