Controversial plans to halve the number of trusts in Wales were announced this week by Welsh health minister Win Griffiths.

They would be cut from 29 to 15 on 1 April next year under proposals which go out to consultation this summer.

Mr Griffiths claimed the new arrangements would encourage collaboration and save 'more than£10m a year'.

If they go ahead, 12 acute, community and mental health trusts would be created. Cardiff would be left with one acute and one community trust, with an integrated trust as a 'long-term' aim.

Dave Galligan, head of health for Unison in Wales, claimed the system would 'hinder' the development of primary care in Wales.

He also expressed concern that some new trusts would start in deficit and job losses would be 'inevitable' as service changes were implemented to deal with financial problems. Welsh trusts are facing a total projected deficit of£16m this year.

Fiona Peel, chair of the NHS Confederation in Wales, said: 'Given the nature of the change proposed, there is bound to be controversy and consensus was always unlikely.'