PAPERWORK has been blamed for the long delay in getting the go ahead for the two health trusts for Blackburn and Burnley to merge.

Bosses with Burnley Healthcare trust and Blackburn, Hyndburn and Ribble Valley NHS Trust, announced they were applying to merge in September.

But they are still awaiting the decision from the Government, which is due to come from Health Minister Lord Hunt.

Health bosses thought they may have had an answer by now but Blackburn chairman Ian Woolley said: "I imagine there must be a lot of paperwork on Lord Hunt's desk. I am sure it won't be too long before we receive a favourable go ahead."

The health trusts agreed at simultaneous meetings in September to ask Health Secretary Alan Milburn to approve the merger, which could see them join forces by April 2003, after consultation.

The proposal, which both trusts have been considering for two years, will mean a change in the organisation and management of hospital services in East Lancashire.

The trusts already work closely together on some services, including ear nose and throat and ophthalmology services, which are merged across the area.

Management believe the move improve services to patients and will attract more staff, as departments will be bigger and more specialised.

John Thomas, chief executive of the Blackburn trust, said: "We believe that even more could be achieved by merging the two organisations, which would improve services to patients."

Brian Foster, chairman of the Burnley Health Care Trust, said: "I am confident that the proposed merger will improve service to patients, increase career opportunities for staff and make the best and most effective use of financial resources."