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Plans to cut the running costs of the the bodies that plan and manage local NHS services will have a "profound and negative effect" on patients, a senior GP has warned.
The government wants to reduce the amount spent running Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) by 50% before the end of the year and cut non-clinical leadership roles by half.
Gloucestershire currently has its own ICB, but health bosses were told last week it is likely to merge with Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire's board.
The Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) said it was "determined to tackle inefficiencies", but Gloucestershire's Dr Bob Hodges fears "experienced and knowledgeable" staff could be cut.
