The Northern Ireland Minister for Health has revealed plans to slash 1,700 jobs.

In a move that will see a the four present Health Boards to a single giant authority, 450 health workers will be dropped by April next year.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "I have already agreed to plans involving a reduction of nearly 1,700 staff and savings of more than £53 million by April 2011.

"The proposals I have outlined today would deliver on those savings. I will also be setting the new Regional Board the task of generating new levels of efficiency and better productivity.

"I anticipate this would, over time, create very significant additional savings which we can reinvest into front line services."

Mr McGimpsey added he was determined to cut wasted resources, including his own department, which would slim down to 600 employees.

Under the new proposals, the single authority would delegate to five commissioning groups, buying health and social services for the people living in their areas.

The boundaries of these groups will be the same as the existing five super trusts. This is exactly the same as the existing four boards, but with the Eastern area split into two.

Mr McGimpsey also promised that his department would become smaller and more sharply focused in an effort to mirror the make-up of the service.

(DW)