The NHS has promised less bureaucracy and more accountability for Barnet under a shake-up of services announced on Wednesday.

Health Minister John Denham approved the creation of a new Barnet Primary Care Trust (PCT) to start work on April 1. Antony Jacobson, current chairman of Barnet Health Authority, said: "This is a very positive development. It allows clinical professionals and practitioners to be in control of the services they provide more than ever before."

Barnet Health Authority will merge with Enfield and Haringey from April, with the new Barnet PCT taking local responsibility for health services. It replaces three existing primary care groups and the community trust.