Dr Elizabeth Johnston, retiring chair of the South Reading NHS CCG, has announced a proposed merger of the 4 CCGs in Berkshire West - South Reading, North and West Reading, West Berks, Wokingham. In her report, Dr Johnston says, "Discussions are currently taking place to review feasibility and practicalities of a proposed merger of South Reading CCG with its neighbouring CCGs, namely Wokingham, North & West Reading and Newbury and District. The reasons for the potential merger include the external financial pressures in the local health economy; a shortage of GPs coming forward to take on active roles within the Governing Bodies, including our own; and a reduction in the statutory requirements if the merger proceeds i.e the requirement for one Governing Body meeting instead of four bi-monthly." South Reading has a rather different pooulation to the rest of Berkshire West with a younger population, more people from black and minority ethnic groups and areas of severe deprivation. It is a matter of concern that the particular interests of South Reading might not be well protected in a merged CCG.