Primary care trusts (PCTs) and ambulance trusts are to be reorganised as part of the Government's drive to create a patient-led NHS.
The number of PCTs in England will be reduced from 303 to 152. This is anticipated to happen in October 2006. The reduction will result in:
* a closer relationship between health, social care and emergency services
* improved and better value services for patients
* better emergency planning with more resources to respond to major incidents and ensure service continues as normal
* more money for frontline services.
From 1 July, many of the existing 29 NHS ambulance trusts will merge into 12, with separate management arrangements for the Isle of Wight.
Staffordshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust will continue to operate as a separate trust, but will work in partnership with the new West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust. The two trusts will merge at a later date.
These changes will result in ambulance trusts being able to work more closely with organisations such as the NHS and police and fire services. It will also result in a more efficient use of resources and better opportunities for staff.
Today's announcements are the result of two consultations that both closed on 22 March 2006.
The number of Strategic health authorities (SHAs) will also be reduced from 28 to 10 on 1 July 2006.
Bookmark with:
What are these?