EVER since West Hertfordshire Health Authority announced its plans to review health services it has tried to allay fears about the closure of hospitals, consistently arguing that the options proposed are merely suggestions.

But we all know this is nonsense. They would not be doing this if they weren't planning something big.

Throughout the discussion period there has been huge speculation and concern about the threat of hospital closures. Will Watford close? Will Hemel Hempstead close? One or other faces the axe.

However, it is interesting to note that the man brought in to take over the running of Watford and Hemel Hempstead hospitals has first hand experience of hospital mergers.

Stephen Eames will be the new supremo, heading a task force with the aim of encouraging greater collaboration between the two hospital trusts.

More importantly, Mr Eames has shown himself to be a pioneer of radical change in Essex where two hospitals are planning to merge. His solution is to shut them down and build a new one.

Described by his future employers as a "heavy hitter in the NHS" Mr Eames, it seems, is a no-nonsense operator.

Other commentators say a merger between Watford and Hemel is only a matter of time - the writing is on the wall. But they have missed the point.

Mr Eames only has to be around for 12 months. In that time he can throw his weight behind the closure of the two hospitals, support the building of a new one, and get out before he has to take the flak.

West Hertfordshire Health Authority needs an unpopular decision-maker around - but not for too long to be a burden.

Mr Eames may be the hatchet man everyone fears. Before we know it, Watford General Hospital will shut, Hemel will shut and a new hospital will spring up on a green-field site.

By appointing a man like Mr Eames the health authority has laid its cards on the table earlier than we all expected.

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