Sweeping changes for Welsh Health Authorities

Despite the fact that Welsh Secretary John Redwood has stated he would like to see Welsh health authorities (HAs) administration cut by around 50% he has provided no indication as to whether or not his local government reforms will alter the HA's geographical or structural basis. This may mean that not only is there the possibility of moves towards 'commissioning authorities' and increases in the number of HAs and FHSAs merging, in addition Wales will have to contend with the unknown effect of local authority boundary changes. This is a concept which England and Scotland will also have to deal with. Russell Deacon and Tracey Deacon explore.