THE attempt to 'anchor' medical services and management in mid Hampshire by integrating trusts is a risk, according to joint chief executive Chris Evennett.

But he argues that the move to create greater integration between Winchester and East-leigh Healthcare NHS Trust and Mid Hampshire PCT is the best way of preventing the centre of gravity drifting more and more towards Southampton.

Mr Evennett said: "New government guidelines seem to suggest that they are going to allow some local flexibility among local organisations and how they are configured.

"And what we hope is that ourselves and the Isle of Wight will be trailblazers in this model so that hopefully we will be informing national policy."

If the integration does not work then Mr Evennett sees the role of GP practice-based commissioning becoming more important.

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