§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the effect of the moving of long-stay hospital patients out of institutions on the resources available for the provision for care within the community.
§ Mr. John PattenDuring the course of consultations on the care in the community initiative, and on other occasions, we have received representations from local government family practitioner and other interests. Health authorities can now make payments to local authorities and voluntary organisations for as long as necessary towards the care and support of long-stay patients moving out of hospital under joint arrangements. Such payments can now cover education for disabled people including those suffering from mental disorder, and housing, as well as social services. Authorities have been advised to consider the implications for general medical services and to consult the family practitioner committees as appropriate.
§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if general practitioners conversant with the needs of hospital discharges into the community will be included on the working party on joint health authority and local authority finance for such relocated patients.
§ Mr. John PattenThe working group on joint planning between health and local authorities will comprise officials of the National Association of Health Authorities, the Association of County Councils, the Association of 373W Metropolitan Authorities, the London Boroughs Association and the Department. The range of legitimate interests in this subject is quite large and direct representation of all those interests would make the groups unwieldy. It has therefore been decided, in the interests of efficient working, that the membership of the working group should not be extended. One of the first tasks for the group will be to decide how best to draw on the views and experience of those not represented, including general practitioners.