NHS Reorganisation

I have some respect for the hon. Gentleman’s normal analysis, but he must recognise not only that we would replace strategic health authorities if we had the chance, but that they will naturally become extinct in three years anyway, if the Government have the courage to implement that move. We are simply trying to save some money by advancing that change rather faster. On 28 July 2005, the Department of Health proposed a reduction in the number of PCTs from the present level of 303 to between 100 and 150, to be aligned with county council boundaries where possible, and a similar reduction in the number of SHAs. Changes to PCTs were expected to be completed by October 2006, and changes to SHAs by July 2006. On 1 December 2005, the Department of Health published the plans that had been submitted to it for consultation, including plans to reduce the number of PCTs to a minimum of 115, and to reduce the number of strategic health authorities to between nine and 11, along the lines of the Government offices for the regions. Consultation on that reorganisation is ongoing, so there is no question but that this restructuring plan is of the Government’s making. They cannot slither behind the trusts to avoid their direct ministerial accountability.