In my statements of 18 October 2005, Official Report, columns 49–50WS, and 1 December 2005, Official Report, columns 36–37WS, I set out the need to streamline strategic health authorities (SHAs) and strengthen primary care trusts (PCTs) and the timetable and process for local consultations on these changes. Local consultations on changes to the boundaries of SHA began on 14 December 2005, Official Report, columns 151–153WS.The NHS Chief Executive, Sir Nigel Crisp, has now announced the appointment of 11 people who will lead the transition between current and future SHAs. The transition leads will take on this responsibility from 1 February until, subject to the final results of the consultation, new SHAs are created. Their task will be to oversee the creation of the new system over the next six months and specifically to:oversee planning for next yearthe development programme for existing and new PCTscommunications.These arrangements are being made for essential business continuity purposes. They do not prejudice the outcome of the consultation on the future shape of SHAs and each current SHA Board will remain accountable to the Department of Health for their part of the NHS until Ministers determine whether, following the consultation, to establish new SHAs. Existing SHAs will remain responsible for managing the consultation process following Commissioning a Patient-Led NHS.The transition leads will ensure consistent management of the outcome of the consultation process across the cluster. Following the consultation process, if Ministers decide to establish new SHAs, the transition leads will be responsible for oversight of the process for establishing the new SHA, until permanent appointments are made. We expect to make permanent appointments to any new SHAs, if necessary, in the summer.We have emphasised that it is essential to ensure that the transition leads are creating a new system locally which works effectively with all our partners and stakeholders and, particularly, promotes joint working between health and social care and in the field of public health.The following have agreed to be SHA transition leaders:John Bacon—LondonMike Farrar—YorkshireDavid Flory—North EastNeil Goodwin—North WestTerry Hanafin—EasternThelma Holland—South West (South West Peninsula and Dorset/Somerset)Trevor Jones—South West (Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire)Candy Morris—South East (Kent and Medway, Surrey and Sussex)David Nicholson—West MidlandsNick Relph—South East (Thames Valley/Hampshire and Isle of Wight)David Sissling—East Midlands

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