The structure of the NHS in Wales differs significantly from that of the NHS in England, having undergone major changes which took effect on 1 October 2009.
These included the replacement of 22 Local Health Boards and 8 local NHS Trusts with 7 new Health Boards, responsible for hospital & community services as well as for GP, pharmacy & dental services.
This change removed the "purchaser-provider split" with each Health Board delivering both primary and secondary care.
Tertiary services are planned on an all-Wales basis.
