Yesterday saw the release of a critical report from the cross-party Health Select Committee on the Health Minister, Andrew Lansley’s proposals to reorganise the NHS. Stephen Dorrell, the Committee’s Chairman and former Health Secretary, said that “the NHS should focus on achieving efficiencies rather than on management upheaval”.

Whatever you think of the Bill, it signifies the most fundamental changes in the sixty year history of the NHS – and the role for local authorities in health will increase significantly bringing new opportunities, challenges and responsibilities.