Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the involvement of local authorities in Northern Ireland in community care and other community services.
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 12 July 1993]Northern Ireland's four health and social services boards, through their community-based units of management, are responsible for the provision of community care services and other health and social care given outside hospital.
Local authorities in Northern Ireland have no responsibility for community care.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the578W suggested proposals to create community trusts in Northern Ireland; and what duties they will be responsible for.
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 12 July 1993]: The Government regard health and social services trusts as the best way of delivering health and personal social services in Northern Ireland. My noble Friend Lord Arran has already approved 10 applications for trust status, including the four community units of management in the Eastern board area. These community units will, subject to the passage of further legislation by Parliament, become fully operational as trusts on I April 1994. A proposal for further legislation was published on 17 June. This amending legislation will enable trusts providing community services to discharge certain statutory functions which are at present restricted to boards. In bringing this forward our objectives are to enable as many units as possible to take advantage of the significant benefits that trust status offers.
Units of management which are approved as trusts continue to be responsible for the full range of services they already provide, thus preserving the integrated nature of the services in Northern Ireland.
Mr. William O'BrienTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consultations have taken place with social workers, doctors and other interested people in Northern Ireland on the future care of the mentally ill, the handicapped and the disabled with the introduction of the new community care system; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Ancram[holding answer 12 July 1993]: The Department of Health and Social Services has consulted widely on the Government's proposals for community care contained in the 1990 policy paper "People First" and on specific aspects of the new community care arrangements which came into operation on 1 April 1993.
A comprehensive information strategy, incorporating consultative papers and booklets for advisors, clients, carers, home owners and general practitioners was implemented in advance of the new arrangements and culminated in a major community care conference for Northern Ireland on 15 March 1993 attended by representatives of the voluntary, private and statutory sectors.
In addition, health and social services boards and their community-based units of management have consulted with clinicians, social services and other professional staff, providers and users in their areas in developing the new community care systems. Boards are expected to continue to consult regularly with interested parties in bringing forward proposals for development of services and the purchasing of care. The Department will be monitoring the effectiveness of the consultation undertaken by boards.