§ 14. Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales when he expects to make an announcement following the consultation on trust status applications from health units in Clwyd.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesMy right hon. Friend is still considering the representations made during public consultation and hopes to announce his decisions shortly.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what policy considerations he will utilise in relation to whole health authority national health service trust applications.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe decision whether to seek national health service trust status is a matter for individual health units and the ambulance service. Each application for national health service trust status must demonstrate benefits to patients and quality improvement, management capability and capacity, involvement of key professional staff, especially consultants in management and financial soundness.
§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what consultations he has had with the chairmen and women of the Welsh health authorities, community health councils and family health service authorities regarding policy on community health services trust status applications.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesEach application for national health service trust status is subject to public consultation, which statutorily includes the relevant community health councils. In addition, health authorities and family health service authorities are among a range of consultees who are invited to comment on proposals contained in an application.