BITTERLY-FOUGHT moves to axe five wards at Runcorn hospital are vital to save lives, according to a key report handed to Tony Blair.

Treatment for heart disease and stroke must be concentrated in fewer specialist centres to ensure patients receive the best care, the Govern-ment's national director insisted.

The verdict appears to back the controversial switch of acute care - in particular, cardiology and stroke - from Halton Hospital, in Runcorn, to Warrington General.

Furthermore, the conclusion was quickly seized on by the Prime Minister as proof NHS shake-ups must be pushed through - whatever the opposition from local protest groups.

Speaking to primary care trust chiefs in London, Mr Blair said: 'The best reason for this change is the best there possibly can be - better care for the patient.

'I genuinely believe the best is yet to come with more lives saved, stopping more pain and distress.'

The changes being implemented by cash-strapped North Cheshire Hospitals trust will mean only day patients will be treated at Halton Hospital.

Local people and trade unions, who formed the Hang on to Halton campaign to demand a rethink, handed in a 23,000-signature petition to the House of Commons in July. But the first phase of the change will be completed by the end of the year, with two further phases earmarked for next year.