The governing boards of Palmerton Hospital and Gnaden Huetten Hospital, Lehighton, have agreed to merge the obstetric and pediatrics departments of the two hospitals. At separate meetings, the boards voted to have all obstetrical work performed at Palmerton Hospital and pediatrics work at Gnaden Huetten Hospital. Emergency cases in either category will be handled at both hospitals. The action was taken primarily to permit both hospitals to apply for future Hill-Burten funds for expansion programs.