National health service
The management of the NHS is currently divided into two tiers, the Strategic Health Authority (SHA) as the top tier and Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) as the second tier. In addition there are Acute Hospital Trusts which are responsible for operating the hospitals and Mental Health Trusts which are responsible for providing mental health services. Ambulance services are provided by Ambulance Service Trusts.
In October 2011, the 10 Strategic Health Authorities in England merged to form four clusters which will manage the NHS until April 2013. From 2013, local authorities will be tasked with coordinating the local NHS, social care, children's services and public health through new Health and Wellbeing Boards (HWBs). In Hertfordshire, a shadow HWB has been meeting since July 2011 to prepare for its new responsibilities.
This page last updated: 26-04-2012