After more than 12 months in the approvals process, the merger was given the green light by NHS Foundation Trust regulator Monitor late last month, and the Department of Health and Secretary of State will shortly formalise the merger.

The name of the combined Trust will be the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust. Chief Executive designate of the combined Trust Aidan Thomas said the date was as symbolic as it was practical.

“This is a very significant milestone for the Trust and I look forward to leading the Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust into 2012 and beyond.

“The merger offers great opportunities for our service users, the communities in Norfolk and Suffolk, and our staff.

“It is important to reassure all members of the community that are in contact with either Trust that there will be no that there will be no changes or disruptions to our service. In fact, initially, the only major change that most will be aware of is our new name.”

“One of the major outcomes of this merger will be a more efficient and effective organisation and I would like to pay tribute to the staff in both Trusts who have worked hard to make the merger happen and to prepare us for day one of the new Trust.