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Carmarthenshire Local Health Board
The National Health Service (NHS) in Wales has undergone a transformation in order to improve the services it provides and bring decisions closer to the population it serves. The new structures have been established by strengthening the role of the Welsh Assembly Government and establishing statutory Local Health Boards which meet the following principles:
- Simpler for patients to understand
- Accountable for the actions it takes and the services it delivers
- Stronger democratic voice in the way it is governed
Whats changing? As from 1st April 2003 Health Authorities in Wales ceased to exist and was replaced by Local Health Boards. There are 22 Local Health Boards (LHB) in Wales and they cover approximately the same populations that were covered by Unitary Authorities. The work mainly undertaken by Health Authorities are now discharged primarily through LHBs. The LHBs are responsible for:
- Ensuring that services are in place to meet the needs of the local population
- Tackling health inequalities
- Ensuring Primary Care Contractors (e.g. GPs, dentists, pharmacists, opticians) provide adequate services and these are regularly monitored and reviewed
- Working with partners in local government to develop a simplified coherent planning system which can deliver the Health, Social Care and Well Being agenda
- Corporate and Clinical Governance
- Public engagement
As well as the creation of LHBs, a National Public Health Service was developed. This service provides day to day support to LHBs in providing health promotion services, public health protection and assists in developing health strategies. 3 Regional offices have been set up to act as local representatives of the Welsh Assembly Government. Health Commission Wales (Specialist Services) has also been created to commission a range of specialist services for the population of Wales e.g. Cardiac services. The work of the LHBs are supported by the Business Services Centres. These centres each support a number of LHBs and assists the LHBs in undertaking certain functions such as financial services, contractor services, human resources and information technology.
To find out more about the LHB
Last updated:
20/10/2006
