Health chiefs have revealed that they will set up the headquarters for the new county-wide Norfolk primary care trust in Dereham.

By Mark Nicholls

Health Correspondent

Health chiefs last night revealed that they will set up the headquarters for the new county-wide Norfolk primary care trust in Dereham.

The purpose-built base, on a site yet to be identified, is likely to be home to around 100 staff, with smaller teams based at local offices across the county.

The new PCT, which comes into effect on October 1, takes in the former Norwich, Broadland, Southern Norfolk, West Norfolk and North Norfolk PCTs, while Great Yarmouth and Waveney PCT are paired together.

It will mean trusts such as Southern Norfolk moving out of Ketteringham Hall, or Broadland leaving Sapphire House while the St Andrew's site on the outskirts of Norwich was not considered suitable for the new organisation.

The new building will be constructed by Breckland District Council along the lines of its headquarters at Elizabeth House and leased by the new PCT.

Health bosses say after careful consideration they chose the site and type of building because of its central location geographically; it offered the cheapest cost per square metre; and will provide modern and flexible accommodation.

Hilary Daniels, Chief Executive of West Norfolk PCT and Transition Lead for the PCT reorganisation, said: “Dereham is an excellent location for the new PCT's headquarters as it is geographically central and accessible to all parts of our large area.

“We have chosen the cheapest option using the same type of modular building as Breckland Council did for its own headquarters.

“The PCT will have fewer management and support staff than the existing five PCTs and we will be able to make savings on our accommodation costs as a result.”

The reorganisation is expected to make savings in management and staff costs, and current vacancies are being left unfilled.

New directors of the PCT will be appointed by the end of September while interviews for the chief executive will take place next Tuesday and Wednesday .

The board will hold its first meeting at Elizabeth House in Dereham on October 19.