IT'S 'business as usual' according to Worcestershire health chiefs after the Government announced its intention to pare down the 99 existing health authorities to 30.
Worcestershire Health Authority chief executive Pat Archer-Jones told patients services would be maintained throughout the sweeping changes due to be implemented by 2004.
The plans will see a large percentage of staff transfer to new Primary Care Trusts or agencies.
Mrs Archer-Jones said: "Health authorities will change quite significantly by 2004 following the transfer of staff, but they will take on a more strategic role managing NHS Trusts and Primary Care Trusts and fulfilling certain key public health functions.
"Currently a number of discussion meetings are taking place with doctors, nurses, therapists and other health professionals as well as a wide range of stakeholders to assess the way forward."
Mrs Archer Jones added: "It is important that services to patients are maintained throughout all these changes."
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