The expected drop in the number of PCTs has been signalled by secretary of state for health Patricia Hewitt.
The expected drop in the number of PCTs has been signalled by secretary of state for health Patricia Hewitt.
Following changes to strategic health authorities, many PCTs could disappear after being merged, though Hewitt said no changes would take place before April 2006.
The DoH would not say how many PCTs would be left after the changes - currently the total number of PCTs in England is around 300 - but speculation has already begun.
The Birmingham Mail (October 19), for example claimed Midlands PCTs would be reduced from 30 to 14 or 15.