A “partnership plan” to allow NHS bodies and local authorities to work together for the common good, was set out in the NHS White Paper last month.
There will now be a legal requirement for both bodies to work together. Health authorities will draw up local Health Improvement Programmes in consultation with NHS Trusts, the planned new Primary Care Groups, dentists, pharmacists, the public and other “partner organisations”.
The document said these measures will ensure local authorities have clear powers to develop partnerships with a wide range of other organisations including NHS bodies to address the needs of local communities.