§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what estimate he has made of the additional administrative computing and allied costs associated with his proposed changes in the National Health Service, including opting out of hospitals, over the next three years; and what is his estimate of the increases which will be required in numbers of staff in each tier of the National Health Service.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyMy right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State announced that an additional £82 million is being made available this year, and an additional £257 million next year, to the NHS in England, for initiatives arising from the White Paper "Working for Patients". It is not possible at this stage to estimate the full cost of the changes, because the White Paper builds on developments that have been taking place over a number of years. These include resource management and improvements in management information, including computerisation. In addition, the total cost will depend on such factors as the number of NHS trusts and GP practice fund holders which are approved.
The changes will increase the efficiency of the service, and create opportunities for achieving better value for money so that extra costs will be outweighed by savings.
The estimate of the increase in staff needed for the changes includes up to 3,000 at hospital level and up to 400 in regions and family practitioner committees. In the longer term, as regional and district health authorities reduce their own functions, total staffing levels are expected to fall. The number of extra staff needed by the prescription pricing authority, up to 300, is expected to reduce significantly in two or three years.
§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has had any representations about the use of National Health Service staff and resources to prepare hospitals and other medical units to become self-governing medical trusts prior to the passing of the relevant legislation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. KennedyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will detail in theOfficial Report any instructions or guidelines he has issued to health authorities, hospitals and any other relevant medical units about anticipating or taking account of possible changes, which may be made to the details of the National Health Service and Community Care Bill during its parliamentary progress; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIt is for Parliament to determine the final form of the National Health Service and Community Care Bill. It would not be sensible to issue instructions or guidance seeking to anticipate such changes (if any) as Parliament may approve. Health authorities are, of course, fully aware of the Government's proposals set out in "Working for Patients", Cm 555. It has frequently been pointed out to them that some of these plans will require primary legislation before they can be fully implemented.