Wales plans to cut NHS bureaucracy
- Published: 03 April 2008 13:58
- Author: Kirsty Nutkins
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- Last Updated: 03 April 2008 13:59
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Plans have been unveiled to cut Local Health Boards in Wales from 22 to eight.
Health Minister Edwina Hart also announced proposals to end the internal market in Wales by providing funding from the Welsh Assembly Government or an NHS Board for Wales directly to NHS Trusts and Local Health Boards (LHBs).
The aim is to improve patient care, reduce bureaucracy and remove artificial boundaries within the NHS in Wales.
Yesterday, three new NHS Trusts became operational after the merger of seven Trusts.
It is hoped that this new structure will provide better cooperation between hospitals, career opportunities for staff and easier access to a wider range of health professionals.
Ms Hart said: 'Ending the internal market is part of a wider Assembly Government drive to encourage co-operation rather than competition in delivering public services,' she said.
