Rather, changes to the governance of local NHS systems should be seen as part of our drive to develop integrated, decentralised health care services that devolve management authority to the front line of patient care.Nevertheless, by consolidating around 15 NHS boards with minimal structural change and disruption, unnecessary bureaucracy will be reduced, and resources will be freed up and redirected towards improved patient care.Specifically, the removal of the remaining trusts will support a whole-system approach to financial management, accountability...