09 December 2005
The Department of Health has given the green light for a 14-week public consultation on reducing the number of primary care trusts and strategic health authorities in England.
The proposals will mean cuts in SHAs from 28 to around ten, while PCTs could be reduced from 303 to between 130 and 180. Consultation starts on December 14.
Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt has decided against blocking any plans. However, it is understood many SHAs were asked for additional details, for example on how their proposals would save money, before getting the go-ahead.
Hewitt insisted that no decisions would be made until the consultation was completed. 'As a result of these changes we expect upwards of £250m in management costs to be invested back into frontline services,' she added.
Foundation trust regulator Monitor said this week that primary care trusts should no longer purchase and provide care. Monitor chair William Moyes said purchasing and provision should be separated and PCTs should consider buying in commissioning skills from overseas.
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