Herefordshire CC and PCT have agreed a timetable to create the country's first local primary care trust. The council's cabinet and primary care trust board met separately to consider a recommended timetable, which includes the appointment of a joint chief executive within the next few weeks. An interim public service trust board will be set up by January, and formal arrangements will be finalised by September 2008. ‘The public service trust will support and improve the health, wellbeing and prosperity of Herefordshire people by bringing together the council and the primary care trust to share resources and integrate the way public services are planned and purchased,' explained council leader, Roger Phillips. ‘Importantly, the new arrangements will ensure people in Herefordshire will be making decisions about how services are provided within the county for the benefit of the people who live in the county.' And PCT chair, Joanna Newton, added: ‘Both organisations recognise the cultural differences in arriving at a shared and integrated way of working, and have a strong record of working together.'