A new Health and Wellbeing board is to be set up a year ahead of schedule in West Sussex after the area was selected as an 'early implementer' by the government.

West Sussex County Council (WSCC) has been working with local partners to develop the plans, with the board's formal establishment due to take place in May. Health and Wellbeing Boards form part of the planned revamp of the NHS, which is being led by the Department of Health. Boards are set to be operational UK-wide by April 2012.

A 'shadow' board will guide the delivery of health and social care services in West Sussex over the coming year, before its work is reviewed ahead of its formal inception next April. WSCC leader Louise Goldsmith said: "Health and wellbeing is a priority for the county council, and we are at the forefront of local authorities, leading the way on public health.

"Establishing the board will allow us to move further and faster on the joint working between health, social care and public health for the benefit of residents." The announcement comes after Wakefield Council said it would be establishing a shadow Health and Wellbeing board last month.