Residents of north Essex and east Suffolk are invited to share their views about the proposed merger of two hospitals.

A series of public meetings will be held this month for people to get up-to-date on plans to combine Ipswich and Colchester hospital trusts.

As well as reading the latest information, attendees will be encouraged to share any comments or questions they have about the merger, which will create the biggest NHS organisation in East Anglia.

Nick Hulme, chief executive for both trusts, said: “The merger is good news for the residents we serve. With over ten thousand staff, our combined strength will help us to see our patients at the right time, provide the best treatments locally and attract new staff. Merging will mean we can spend less money on overheads and duplication, and more money on our services to improve care for our patients.

“We are really keen that local residents are kept up-to-speed on progress with the merger and have the opportunity to give their views on our plans. We are not planning any major changes, but there is a lot we can do to make services run more smoothly and free up time for our patients and staff.”

Under the merger, Colchester and Ipswich hospitals will each continue to offer full A&E care, obstetric-led maternity services and 24/7 unplanned admissions on both sites.

Sessions will run from 10am-2pm at Ipswich Corn Exchange on February 13; Clacton Library on February 15; Colchester Library on February 19; and Felixstowe Library on February 22.

Alternatively, people can fill in an online survey, which is available on the trusts’ merger website.