AS the NHS prepares to undergo a "radical overhaul", GPs have welcomed news that they can expect to be given responsibility to pay for and commission more of their own patient services.

Under the White Paper, released on Monday the proposal is not only to move hospitals out of the NHS, to create a "vibrant" industry of social enterprises, but for GPs to take charge of much of the NHS budget.

The move is expected to lead to the abolition of all 10 strategic health authorities and the 152 primary care trusts.

For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.