Rumours that two Devon health trusts could merge are gaining currency, after they said they're going to work together more closely.
The Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and the Northern Devon Healthcare trusts say they need to address challenges in the north of the county.
The new interim CEO Andy Ibbs will inherit a difficult inbox when he takes over soon - the Care Quality Commission slated the North Devon trust in its last report in January.
Yesterday the two trusts said they've been collaborating more closely across four acute hospitals in Exeter, Barnstaple, Plymouth and Torquay for six months. They indicate such cooperation is beneficial - but people will have concerns that healthcare decisions are becoming less local.
The Trusts say they'll keep staff and the public up-to-date with what they call "welcome" developments - but this isn't is a consultation. They'll simply announce their way forward in May.
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