Primary care trusts across north east London are now working together as NHS North East London and the City.

NHS North East London and the City brings together seven primary care trusts: Barking and Dagenham, City and Hackney, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets, and Waltham Forest.

Beginning on April 1 the new organisation is responsible for: supporting the development of NHS clinical commissioning groups, developing GP, pharmacy, dentistry and optometry services and for public health. It has the statutory responsibility for purchasing healthcare on behalf of the population until April 1 2013 when, under the Health and Social Care Act 2012, full responsibility will go to NHS clinical commissioning groups

Marie Gabriel is chair and Alwen Williams is chief executive of NHS North East London and the City. Marie Gabriel said: “We are at a time of great change for the NHS. We are working together across the PCT areas to support clinicians, communities, and local authorities in improving the health of local people, and in supporting NHS clinical commissioning groups as they take on responsibility for planning NHS health care.”