The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has responded to concerns raised about the impact of a decision to merge the clinical and leadership teams of its acute services with Portsmouth NHS Trust.

The organisation says the two will share a chief executive but will remain separate, responsible for their own services.

Labour has written to health and council bosses to express worries over what it called a lack of consultation.

In response, a Trust spokesperson said: "Ensuring patients receive safe, high quality and compassionate care in a timely way is our absolute priority.

"Strengthening our partnerships with NHS colleagues on the mainland supports us in working together to ensure sustainable services on the Island for the future."

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The spokesperson added: "The announcement of a single Executive Team means we can work more closely together to deliver services for all the populations we serve, within the resources available to us.

"These plans are supported by health and care system partners and are in-line with the development of our health and care partnership, which aims enable local people to live healthier longer lives.

"We are committed to engaging with patients, our communities, staff and partners on any proposals that could result in substantial service changes, including public consultation where required."