HC Deb 12 June 1986 vol 99 cc263-4W
Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he will take to improve the management of the Greater Glasgow health board, in the light of conditions at Lennox Castle hospital.

Mr. John Mackay

The Government have required all health boards to appoint board general managers, who are now in post, and are currently consulting on plans to develop general management at unit level. Mental health care will continue to be a priority area for the boards when planning further development of their management arrangements.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much money per head has been allocated to the Greater Glasgow health board; and what is the comparable figure for all other health authorities in Scotland.

Mr. John Mackay

The amount per head allocated to each health board in Scotland in 1986–87 is as follows:

Health Board £
Argyll and Clyde 239
Ayrshire and Arran 207
Borders 220
Dumfries and Galloway 260
Fife 212
Forth Valley 255
Grampian 266
Health Board £
Greater Glasgow 397
Highland 278
Lanarkshire 214
Lothian 319
Orkney 214
Shetland 212
Tayside 349
Western Isles 244

The available funds are distributed to boards according to the Scottish health authorities revenue equalisation formula, which takes account of the differences between areas in such matters as age structure of the population, birth rate and morbidity. In addition, the formula recognises the greater responsibilities of certain boards for the treatment of patients from other areas, medical and dental education and specialist treatment. It is therefore not possible to draw reliable conclusions from comparisons of per capita expenditure by health boards based on resident population figures which make no allowance for these factors.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied with the performance of the Greater Glasgow health board.

Mr. John MacKay

The Greater Glasgow health board faces difficult decisions in adjusting its services and priorities in the light of changing population and patterns of care, so as to make the best use of resources and develop services for long-stay patients. My right hon. and learned Friend and I are sure that the recent appointment of a general manager will bring improvements.