HC Deb 17 December 1981 vol 15 cc200-1W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received about the decision of the Kingston and Richmond area health authority to request charitable sources to provide money for payment for services formerly provided from National Health Service funds;

(2) what consultations there have been with the Kingston and Richmond area health authority about its decision to request money for the payment of staff at Normansfield hospital from the charity, Friends of Normansfield hospital.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Representations have been received from the League of Friends, Normansfield hospital and a reply will be sent as soon as possible. There have been no consultations between the Department and the area health authority; but I understand that discussions about the payment of staff by the Friends are continuing and that no final decision has been taken. Since the report of the committee of inquiry in 1978, considerable improvements have taken place at Normansfield and additional resources allocated to it. Since 1977, there has been a significant improvement in nurse staffing levels. The area health authority must, however, balance further increases in the number of nurses against other priorities.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether it is his policy to encourage health authorities to seek to obtain funds from charitable sources to pay for essential services in hospitals.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The Government welcome voluntary moneys as a valuable supplement to NHS resources and health authorities have been encouraged to consider fund-raising activities as a way of obtaining additional funds. It is for health authorities to decide the extent of their involvement in fund-raising activities and to determine which facilities and services could be financed by money from charitable sources.

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence he has of the funding of staff or facilities in National Health Service hospitals from private charitable sources; how many nursing staff he estimates to be employed solely or mainly because their salaries are met from charitable sources; and if he will list the hospitals concerned.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Information on which I could base answers to the right hon. Gentleman's question is not collected centrally.