UP to 100 jobs are under scrutiny at Hereford's three hospitals.

That is the number that could be lost when the new hospital becomes fully operational next year.

Jeremy Millar, chief executive of Hereford Hospitals Trust, confirmed discussions were going on about future staff placements.

But he denied staff were being asked to apply for their jobs in the new hospital.

"We're in the process of matching people to the jobs there and it's hoped that in a couple of weeks discussions will be completed," he said.

Mr Millar said with the change in bringing three hospitals under one roof, staff must have been concerned about the future of their jobs.

But it was now crunch time and decisions would have to be made soon.

Reductions

All discussions were taking place in accordance with agreed policy with unions and staff representatives over staff transfers.

Mr Millar said the situation had to be handled with 'great sensitivity' and any reductions would involve the trust's staff across the board, including nurses.

When the original business plan for the new hospital was agreed it was estimated that staff levels would be reduced by 100.

This could be achieved because staff would not be spending time travelling between three hospitals and not so many jobs would be duplicated.

Bur Mr Millar said the picture was changing all the time, with more money being made available and more, changed services being introduced.

It was now the time to match the people to the jobs. It was unlikely that more than 100 jobs would go and the number could be less.

The first clinical move will involve the triple operating theatres, which are expected to switch into the new hospital in the autumn.