§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements have been made to continue the Trent healthline with effect from 1 April 1996; and if he will make a statement. [8042]
§ Mr. HoramFrom 1 April 1996 responsibility for ensuring the provision of health information services will be devolved to health authorities, in accordance with72W revised health service guidance issued on 18 September 1995, HSG(95)44, copies of which are available in the Library.
It will be for each health authority to decide, in accordance with the quality standards set in HSG(95)44, whether to contract with the existing service provider or to make alternative arrangements for the provision of the service. Regional offices of the NHS executive monitor the transition closely.