WEYMOUTH'S Trimar and Dorchester's Joseph Weld Hospices are to merge later this year.

Trustees from the hospices confirmed the merger today after talks between them sparked speculation that they were set to join forces.

In a joint statement from Patricia Houlberg, chairman of Trimar and Diana Sale, chairman of Joseph Weld they said: "We and our respective trustees are sure this is the way forward to build on our joint strengths and ensure better services for patients and their families for the future.

"We know all our friends and supporters welcome the integration of services which is solely directed to develop service for patients in all our local communities."

The Dorset Echo reported last week that talks between the Weymouth and Dorchester hospices were being held after it was revealed three members of staff at Trimar had been made redundant from the Greenhill-based site in Weymouth.

Last week Mrs Houlberg said the job losses had nothing to do with the talks. And today she added: "We're hoping that the new Joseph Weld and Trimar Hospice Trust will be in place by October 1. There will be no changes to current services provided by either organisation, but by coming together we will be stronger."

The Trimar Hospice provides day care for dying people while Joseph Weld offers in-patient care. Each centre will continue to be run as it is now but under joint management.

Mrs Houlberg added: "There will be no staff redundancies because of the merger because each centre has to carry on operating the service it already provides. The names of the buildings will also remain as they are at present."

Ian Carruthers, chief executive of the Dorset and Somerset Strategic Health Authority, said: "The authority welcomes this merger. With one organisation undertaking the delivery and management of all hospice day and in-patient care in the area, it can only result in better services for patients and major opportunities for the development of new services which the authority will strongly support."