Strategic health authority

Strategic health authority (SHA) was a type of NHS administrative body in England. SHAs were established to manage the local health services and ensure that they were effectively delivering healthcare to the population. They played a crucial role in the National Health Service by overseeing Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) and NHS Trusts within their regions.

History

Strategic health authorities were created in 2002 as part of the NHS Plan 2000, which aimed to modernize and improve the efficiency of the NHS. Initially, there were 28 SHAs, but this number was reduced to 10 in 2006 following a reorganization to streamline operations and reduce administrative costs.

Functions

The primary functions of SHAs included:

• Performance management of local NHS organizations.
• Implementation of national health policies at the regional level.
• Allocation of resources to Primary Care Trusts and NHS Trusts.
• Ensuring the quality and safety of healthcare services.
• Workforce planning and development.

Structure

Each SHA was led by a Chief Executive and a Board of Directors. The Board was responsible for setting the strategic direction and ensuring that the SHA met its objectives. The Chief Executive was accountable for the day-to-day management and performance of the SHA.

Abolition

In 2013, SHAs were abolished as part of the Health and Social Care Act 2012. Their functions were transferred to other bodies, including NHS England, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), and Public Health England.

Legacy

The abolition of SHAs marked a significant shift in the structure of the NHS, with a greater emphasis on local commissioning and patient choice. The legacy of SHAs can still be seen in the way healthcare services are managed and delivered in England today.

See also

• National Health Service
• Primary Care Trust
• NHS Trust
• Clinical Commissioning Group
• Health and Social Care Act 2012