The principality's five regional health authorities were replaced by 22 new local health boards (LHBs). The system, 'unique in the UK', will allow health and social services to work together as part of a new structure.
LHBs have responsibility for commissioning healthcare in their area and will receive their funding direct from the Welsh Assembly Government.
Jane Hutt, WA health minister, said: 'GPs, nurses, optometrists, chemists, representatives from local government and the voluntary sector are all part of the new bodies which means that the decisions about services are taken by those on the ground who are best-placed to know what the real needs are.'
However, the changes have attracted criticism, reports BBC online. Although Ms Hutt is reported as stating the change over would be 'cost-neutral', documents suggest it has cost £8.5m, and it is feared the plan has created more bureaucracy.
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