THE leader of Worcestershire County Council has signed a joint letter to the Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over fears that "unrealistic" targets mean local authorities will lose out on millions in funding.

Councillor Simon Geraghty is joined by the leaders of 10 other West Midlands local authorities in signing the letter who say they risk losing £150 million if targets on bed-blocking in hospitals are not met.

"In Worcestershire we work closely with our health partners and families so people get the support they need in a timely manner. With partners, we have significantly reduced the number of people that are delayed in the acute hospitals," he said.

"In relation to hospitals, our focus is and should remain to be on supporting the Worcestershire Royal and the Alexandra in Redditch particularly over the coming winter period. The national targets don't take account of the local situation, for instance the use of community hospitals, and could have the unintended consequence of effort being taken off supporting Worcestershire Royal Hospital and the Alex.

"That would be undesirable and together with most leaders in the region we are making Mr Hunt aware of our concerns."