HEALTH chiefs have said it is "business as usual" after revelations Worcestershire Health Authority may cease to exist by 2004.
Health Secretary Alan Milburn has announced the number of health authorities will be reduced from 99 to 30.
Several health authorities will merge with many staff transferring to primary care trusts or agencies.
The newly-created authorities will cover an average population of 1.5 million.
Authority chief executive Pat Archer-Jones stressed patient services will be maintained in the period.
She said: "Obviously this will affect Worcester-shire.
"Clearly organisational change is part of the Government's plan for the NHS and is a natural progression as primary care trusts become the commissioners of services."
She added: "The whole process of change management needs to be given a lot more thought and this will include public consultation.
"I can assure the public, in the meantime, we are continuing to focus on patients' needs."
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