MELKSHAM Hospital could be in line for a new diagnostic centre that would mean some patients would not have to travel to Bath for minor procedures.

West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust is carrying out a review of all health services in the district and, as a part of that review, has to decide whether the centre will be at Melksham or Devizes.

Patients would be able to go to the centre for some procedures, including minor surgery, which are carried out in an acute hospital such as the RUH in Bath.

A spokesman for the PCT said: "Staff at the centre would be able to carry out minor investigations, diagnostic procedures and tests. It could also be a facility to carry out minor surgery.

"By providing these services in the local community the PCT would be aiming to provide a more accessible, efficient service."

The PCT has set up project groups to look at health provision in each of the five west Wiltshire towns in advance of more formal consultation early next year.

The financial problems of both the West Wiltshire PCT and its Kennet and North Wiltshire counterpart mean combined savings of about £11m need to be made.

The trust is expected to make a proposal on whether Melksham or Devizes gets the diagnostic centre in December.