ONE of the biggest shake-ups in the history of the National Health Service – which will have a significant impact on patients in Uttlesford – is being backed by NHS East of England.

The move will lead to the abolition of all primary care trusts, including NHS West Essex which has responsibility for Uttlesford.

Hospitals, such as Saffron Walden Community Hospital, will be moved outside of the NHS and will become separate social enterprises. And local GPs will be encouraged to take charge of much of the budget.

An NHS East of England spokesperson said: “We welcome the publication of the Government’s White Paper, Liberating the NHS today.

“NHS East of England fully supports the proposals for more patient control over the NHS and their own care with the focus on outcomes as the measure of whether the NHS is succeeding. For example, we have arranged for Quality Intelligence East to make all of its current and future information on hospital performance, which is very detailed, independent and evidence-based, fully available to the public.

“We will be working with all NHS organisations across the region to ensure the Government’s vision to empower GPs and local people is realised. We will also empower our own staff to take forward these reforms and bring lasting and effective change to the NHS.

“At the same time as preparing the NHS for this change we will continue to ensure the delivery of the services that people rely on and the reductions in management costs outlined in the White Paper.

“We will also ensure that clinicians, staff and patients are engaged as we deliver the efficiencies required by the NHS in this period of change.

“This is a challenging agenda, but we are ready for it and look forward to helping deliver it.”

Do you think the changes will affect you? Let us know by emailing editor@saffronwalden-reporter.co.uk.