TORIES are 'worried' Ellesmere Port's health body is up to £4m in debt.

Borough councillor Jonathan Starkey fears services to patients could be cut by Ellesmere Port and Neston Primary Care Trust (PCT) as a result.

But PCT bosses, who have implemented a financial recovery plan, say they will be able to balance their books by tomorrow, the end of the financial year.

The PCT, which provides services including GPs and dentists, has discussed the debt at each of its meetings so far this year. It says the regional Strategic Health Authority will help out with a loan of £2.7m, repayable in 2005/06.

But the PCT added in a report: 'This means we still need to manage locally the remaining £1m of the original £3.7m deficit, plus the additional pressures of £2.4m that have emerged during the year.'

These 'additional pressures' include a £1,177,000 overspend in commissioning services like care in the community, a £591,000 overspend in service provision and a £63,000 overspend in corporate services.

Cllr Starkey (Con, Ledsham) said: 'I'm very worried about the future of the PCT.

What is going to happen to health services in this borough as a result? Will it lead to longer waiting lists? Will services have to be cut? We need to know.

'The PCT is doing a good job despite these cost pressures, but isn't given enough external funding. It is being penalised financially for doing its job and getting people off the waiting lists.'

PCT spokeswoman Kathryn McGiveron said: 'Over the past 12 months, we have been working with a financial recovery plan. This ensures the budget is being used in the most cost-effective and efficient way.

'This review is looking at how best to provide the right services for patients, in the right way and the right place, in line with local needs.'

She added: 'There is no plan to merge us with Cheshire West PCT in the near future.'