THE NHS cash crisis could force more patients to be cared for at home at the expense of taxpayers, councillors fear.

Worcestershire County Council's cabinet met to discuss the impact of budget cuts in this area's health service - and feared it could mean bad news for their own finances.

People in hospital are looked after at the expense of the Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, but, as soon as they go home, social services, part of the county council, picks up the bill.

As the Worcester News revealed earlier this month, the trust faces spiralling debts and has announced it is to axe 720 jobs.

At the latest county council meeting, members debated the consequences to taxpayers. Councillor John Smith said: "A lot of people are discharged when they are not fit to be at home for 24 hours a day, because they think they can save money, but that really doesn't work."

Councillor Adrian Hardman said he was worried about the possible effects of Worcestershire trust's £60m deficit. He added: "We are deeply concerned. There is a county council budget under pressure and we have a considerable savings target and it would be helpful if the health service didn't try to shunt costs onto us.

"I'm sure they won't."

A new position of director of public health is to be set up, with the person who fills the role answerable to the county council as well as the health service.

Councillor Philip Gretton said he was sure patients were not discharged early to pass costs on to the county council but said he was worried the cash problems came about because of unequal funding.

He said: "Worcestershire gets £60m less than the average NHS trust because there is geographical funding based on deprivation.

"A relatively prosperous area like ours remains under-funded."