A Whanganui surgeon says a proposal to merge the Whanganui and Mid-Central District Health Boards would damage the city's health services.
Clive Solomon, who is also a member of the Whanganui DHB, has written an open letter to Mayor Michael Laws expressing his concerns.
Mr Solomon says the chair and chief executive of the board wrote to Health Minister Tony Ryall in November outlining a plan for a single DHB within five years, but did not consult with the board.
Mr Solomon believes a merger will lead to key services such as obstetrics moving to Palmerston North hospital which is a 45-minute drive away.
Mr Laws says the lack of guarantees around health services is a serious concern.
