KENT’S ambulance service could be swallowed up under merger plans that would create a "super-trust" covering three counties.

Regional health chiefs have recommended the Kent Ambulance Trust be merged with neighbouring services in Surrey and Sussex. The headquarters could be moved outside Kent.

Health chiefs have also flagged up the option of creating an even larger service for the entire south east region but conclude it would be too big to be "operationally viable".

The proposals, due to be considered by the Kent and Medway Strategic Health Authority on Wednesday, are similar to ones rejected three years ago.

The health authority says merging the ambulance trust would help save money and allow a "better size" trust to "deal with operational and logistics issues".

The re-organisation plan has come about because of a Government shake-up aimed at creating a "patient-led NHS". Ministers have demanded that health authorities examine ways of cutting costs and red-tape.

The Kent Ambulance Trust said it backed the plan and moved to play down fears it could mean fewer ambulances available.

Chief executive Hayden Newton said: "The mergers will offer benefits for patients and opportunities for staff. The people of Kent can be assured that this is not about reducing the number of ambulances or frontline staff. It will not affect the excellent service already provided by the trust."

But one Kent MP slated the idea. Roger Gale, Conservative MP for North Thanet, said the merger was a "very bad idea indeed".

"We have a very good local service and this is an endeavour to mend something else that isn’t broken," he said.

The proposals will be considered by health ministers by mid-November and if the plans are accepted, there will be a period of public consulation.