A SHAKE-UP of the NHS will see the creation of one strategic health authority for the east of England. The re-organisation means that the Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk Strategic Health Authority will now include Herts, Bedfordshire and Essex. In the
A SHAKE-UP of the NHS will see the creation of one strategic health authority for the east of England.
The re-organisation means that the Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk Strategic Health Authority will now include Herts, Bedfordshire and Essex.
In the past Essex stood alone as a strategic health authority while the Herts and Bedfordshire Strategic Health Authority covered the most immediate area.
In a statement the Department of Health said the reorganisation would "strengthen the architecture of the NHS".
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "These improvements to the NHS will mean more money for front-line services and better care for patients."
Health authority chairman Keith Pearson said: "It's a good opportunity to work closely with other eastern region partners."
He said the shake-up had been supported by the health authorities in the area.
The NHS re-organisation will continue next month with a shake-up of primary care trusts.
This could see the merger of the Royston, Buntingford and Bishop's Stortford NHS Primary Care Trust with another body or a new trust covering the whole of Herts.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here