Public consultation has just closed on plans to combine the Queen's Medical Centre and Nottingham City Hospital into one hospital trust.

But the NHS Appointments Commission this week placed an advert for a chair and non-executive board directors in a number of newspapers.

Health bosses said not doing so would lead to delays if the plans go ahead.

'Fewer beds'

Managers admitted advertising the positions is a gamble but having a board in place would make it easier to appoint senior staff if the merger is approved.

Dr Roger Moore, the commission chief executive, said: "We are not in any way trying to second-guess the outcome of the consultation or the Secretary of State's decision.

"The advertisement clearly says it is a proposal and the application pack says it is subject to the decision of the Secretary of State."

But the health union Unison, which opposes the plans, said the placing of the adverts is concerning and shows that a decision to merge may already have been taken.

Health chiefs claim a merger would save tens of millions of pounds would end duplication and cut waiting lists through greater efficiency.

But union bosses have raised concern over a possible loss of beds and administration staff.