What is the future for Spearhead PCTs?

Abstract

Spearhead primary care trusts and councils have the worst health and deprivation in England, but their health services are often less well placed to tackle them. They are expected to reduce England's life expectancy gap by 10% by 2010, but in 2005 only 11% were on track. What does spearhead status really mean for public services, and how is the definition likely to affect future health inequalities?