THE borough's three NHS trust hospitals may close down at the end of May if staff go on strike over the running of a private subsidiary company according to trade union Unite

Members of Unite, who work at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust (WWL), have opened a ballot which will close on Wednesday, May 9 to vote on industrial action in response to the creation of WWL Solutions Limited.

There are concerns that if jobs are transferred from the trust to WWL Solutions then employees could be more vulnerable to pay cuts and changes to their contract.

Strikes could go ahead at the end of May and could see Leigh Infirmary, the Royal Albert Edward Infirmary in Wigan and Wrightington Hospital closing down according to Unite.

Unite regional officer Keith Hutson said: “These hardworking staff, who perform crucial roles in hospitals, are worried their terms and conditions will be attacked if the transfer goes ahead.

“Our members are making it clear - they are not on board with this outsourcing plan.

"They want to remain part of the NHS trust– not a private company.

“We urge the trust to get around the negotiating table and resolve this dispute."

WWL staff in estates, maintenance, catering, portering and sterile services could be transferred to WWL Solutions Limited.

The trust has previously said WWL Solutions has been set up as an alternative to cutting jobs and services and reducing the overall cost to WWL and avoiding privatisation of NHS services.