ABSTRACT
Background Northumberland is the most northerly county in England, stretching from the banks of the Tyne northwards to the Scottish border, and from the North Sea coast westwards to the Pennines. In all, it covers an area of approximately 2000 square miles. With a population of around 312 000, it is the least densely populated county of England. The county has two-tier local government with a county council responsible for delivery of social services and six district councils providing a range of local services including housing. Until April 2002, the area was served by a single health authority co-terminous with the county council and four PCGs (covering North, West and Central Northumberland and Blyth Valley in the south-east of the county). There are 54 GP practices.
