 Patricia Hewitt said the move would direct money to the frontline |
The strategic health authority covering the east of England is to become larger as part of an NHS reform and reorganisation. Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt said it would mean more money for frontline services and better care for patients.
In East Anglia the reorganisation means Cambs, Norfolk and Suffolk Strategic Health Authority will also include the counties of Essex, Beds and Herts.
In recent weeks NHS trusts in England have announced 6,000 jobs will be cut.
Ms Hewitt announced the plan as she and Prime Minister Tony Blair held a Downing Street summit to discuss the health service's financial problems.
The total NHS deficit for this year is expected to be in the region of �620m.
Buckinghamshire will be included in a South Central SHA alongside the counties of Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight), Oxfordshire and Berkshire.
Other government plans to reform the NHS include more care being carried out by GPs, nurses and other health professionals working outside hospital.
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