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Radical reformation plans for NHS Radical reformation plans for NHS
(30 minutes later)
The number of local health boards (LHBs) in Wales could be cut from 22 to eight under proposals unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government.The number of local health boards (LHBs) in Wales could be cut from 22 to eight under proposals unveiled by the Welsh Assembly Government.
Under the plans, hospital trusts would be funded from the assembly government directly rather than the LHBs.Under the plans, hospital trusts would be funded from the assembly government directly rather than the LHBs.
Wales' five health authorities were abolished in April 2003 and replaced with 22 LHBs, matching local council boundaries.Wales' five health authorities were abolished in April 2003 and replaced with 22 LHBs, matching local council boundaries.
The proposals are out for three months consultation.The proposals are out for three months consultation.
In a statement released by the assembly government, Health Minister Edwina Hart, said her aim was to "improve patient care and the patient experience" and to have "administrative arrangements for the NHS that are effective".In a statement released by the assembly government, Health Minister Edwina Hart, said her aim was to "improve patient care and the patient experience" and to have "administrative arrangements for the NHS that are effective".
The proposals include abolishing the NHS's "internal market" by providing funding from the Welsh Assembly Government or an NHS Board for Wales directly to hospital trusts and LHBs.The proposals include abolishing the NHS's "internal market" by providing funding from the Welsh Assembly Government or an NHS Board for Wales directly to hospital trusts and LHBs.
The consultation looks at three options for establishing a Board for Wales. HEALTH PROPOSALS Abolish the NHS internal market by providing funding for hospitals and health boards from the assembly government or an NHS Board for WalesReduce LHBs from 22 to eight, including Powys LHBThree options for establishing a NHS Board for Wales - a special health authority, a civil service board, or an advisory board supporting an Assembly Government NHS chief executiveSource: Welsh Assembly Government
There would be a Special Health Authority, a Civil Service Board, or an Advisory Board supporting an assembly government NHS chief executive.
CommunitiesCommunities
The only LHB would is guaranteed to remain under the proposals is that for Powys. The only LHB which is guaranteed to remain under the proposals is that for Powys.
The 22 LHBs were created in April 2003 by former Labour assembly government health minister Jane Hutt and were intended to bring decision making closer to communities. Wales five health authorities were abolished at the same time. The 22 LHBs were created in April 2003 by former Labour assembly government health minister Jane Hutt and were intended to bring decision-making closer to communities.
Wales' five health authorities - Dyfed-Powys, Iechyd Morgannwg, Gwent, Bro Taf and North Wales - were abolished at the same time and £31m of debt was wiped out.
Ms Hutt at the time said the LHBs would provide "local solutions to local problems".
Each was created with 26 representatives across health and local social services - including dentists, pharmacists, doctors and patients - looking at local needs.
Such a major reduction in the number of health boards would be a dramatic policy U-turn by Labour.Such a major reduction in the number of health boards would be a dramatic policy U-turn by Labour.
Conservatives criticised the move at the time claiming it would increase bureaucracy. Conservatives and Plaid Cymru criticised the move at the time, claiming it would increase bureaucracy.
Health economist Marcus Longley told BBC Wales that cutting the number of LHBs was politically pretty embarrassing because it was a Labour assembly government that introduced them.
The LHBs were set up to match the number of local councils across Wales, but now there was potential for conflict.
The consultation also looks at three options for establishing a NHS Board for Wales.
It could be run along the lines of a special health authority, a civil service board or as an advisory board to support an assembly government NHS chief executive.