MOVES towards the introduction of a single health authority for Essex are being supported by Epping Forest Council.o

The decision to back, in principle, the proposal which calls for the abolition of the existing North Essex and South Essex health authorities to form a single authority for the county was taken at Thursday's overview and scrutiny commitee.

Most members agreed a single health authority was a step in the right direction.

The council's portfolio holder for leisure and health, councillor Jon Whitehouse, said: "I think supporting this proposal makes sense as it clearly aims to create fewer but larger and more strategic health authorities, which has to be good. Also, it talks about giving more responsibilities and power to primary care trusts which again makes sense as they not only know their respective areas well but understand the needs of local people better."

Councillors have requested more information regarding the operation and aims of a single health authority.

Mr Whitehouse said: "We're aware that concerns have been raised outside our district, where boundaries are not marked clearly, about the success of such a scheme but still there's no doubt it's a step in the right direction."

Members of public have until Friday, November 30 to write to the NHS Eastern Regional Office with their views on the proposals.

Councillor Dorothy Paddon said:"I support the idea of more power to our local primary care trust in principle as they are better equipped to cater for our needs due to their knowedge of the area and needs of local people, but only if they can handle the additional responsibility by employing the right calibre of people."

Committee chairman Stan Goodwin said: "People always take a cautious approach to any kind of change, but I believe this idea can work as people won't be bound by boundaries as under the current system and will have easy access to all the hospitals in the county, leading to better and speedy provision of treatment.

"Also, it might lead to increased interaction between the new health authority and the social services for a better all-round service delivery to the people in Essex."

October 17, 2001 9:21