Primary Care Trusts will be scrapped under radical new plans

Date published: 27 July 2010

Following the Government announcing it is scrapping Primary Care Trusts hundreds of jobs are at risk in Bury.

NHS Bury, which oversees local health services, will be axed under the plans for a massive NHS shake-up, which will see all 151 primary care trusts (PCTs) go.

The plans were announced by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.

The future of up to 240 employees is unclear, the White Paper which sets out the proposals warning job losses are “inevitable”.

Mr Lansley confirmed the trusts, along with strategic health authorities, will be phased out by 2013, with control of most of the NHS’s £80 million budget being handed to GPs, who will choose services for the local area.

Around 550 PCT staff will move under the management of the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust, after NHS Bury was told to separate its commissioning side — which chooses and buys services — and its provider arm, which delivers community services.

John Boyington CBE, Chief Executive for NHS Bury said: “The White Paper sets out a radical and challenging agenda for the NHS in general, and for PCTs in particular as we continue to manage the current system whilst working with GPs in particular to develop new arrangements.”

”Our priority over the coming weeks will be to share the proposals with our staff, clinicians, partner organisations and the public to ensure that they all have the opportunity to make their views known during this consultation period, and play a part in shaping the future of the NHS in Bury.”

“The White Paper puts forward thoughts for consultation and it won’t be until later in the year that we know more about how this will move forward. It makes clear the importance of PCTs in helping to support the transition from the current system to the new one and we will be focused on achieving just that over the coming months. ‘Equity and excellence: Liberating the NHS’ clearly signals an impact on NHS jobs, however, it is too early to say how this will translate in Bury, however, staff will be fully involved and supported through this process.”