§ 45. Mr. Whitlockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultations he has had with hospital management committees since the publication of the consultative document "National Health Service Reorganisation" in May, 1971.
§ Sir K. JosephConsultations have been held with hospital management committees collectively on the consultative document itself and on a number of other matters related to health service 279W reorganisation, as well as with some individual committees on specific issues.
§ 54. Mr. Whitlockasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consultation he has had upon the need for local authorities to provide buildings and staff for the care of patients who will be moved from psychiatric hospitals when the National Health Service reorganisation begins to operate in April, 1974.
§ Mr. AlisonThe reorganisation of the National Health Service from April, 1974, will be a change in administrative structure and will not of itself necessitate any transfers of patients. The need for this will arise from the changes already under way, but likely to take many years to complete, in the pattern of treatment and community care for the mentally ill and the mentally handicapped. Joint planning by hospital and local authorities is already in progress to assess the changes that will be needed locally.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent he has facilitated the National Health Service Reorganisation Management Study with the officers, staff and management consultants concurrently reorganising health services in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
§ Sir K. JosephThe management study has had available to it the report of the Project Team on the Reorganisation of Health and Personal Social Services in Northern Ireland, and the consultative documents prepared by the Scottish Home and Health Department on the "Administrative Structure of Health Boards" and the "Management of District Health Services", together with other working papers.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he proposes to discuss the final report of the National Health Service Reorganisation Management Study with the British Medical Association, Medical Practitioners' Union, Royal College of Nursing, National Association of Local Government Employees, Confederation of Health Service Employees, National Union of Public Employees and other organisations of persons within the National Health Service before he reaches any conclusion which changes the work and responsibilities of the categories concerned.
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§ Sir K. JosephBefore I reach conclusions, there will be full opportunities to comment on the report and I shall, where appropriate, arrange discussions with interested organisations.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the multi-disciplinary experience of the Hospital Advisory Service has been considered by the consultants in charge of the National Health Service Reorganisation Management Study; and if he will seek evidence from the Hospital Advisory Service before completing his White Paper.
§ Sir K. JosephThe material examined by the Management Study Group has included the annual reports of the Hospital Advisory Service and reports on the internal management of particular hospitals; and the White Paper will take account of its rôle in the National Health Service.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if the terms of reference of the National Health Service Reorganisation Management Study include an examination of the collaborative and participatory kinds of organisation which exist in other countries which have comprehensive health care provided by the State.
§ Sir K. JosephNot explicitly, since in the time available it was necessary for the study to concentrate on the circumstances in this country.
§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that those involved in the management, voluntary and administrative, of the National Health Service are fully informed of the progress towards administrative reorganisation consequent upon his consultative document; how many representations were made to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephMy consultative document was followed by wide consultations and discussions; comments were received from nearly 600 organisations and individuals. I shall announce my conclusions in the White Paper which is to be published shortly. It is my intention to ensure that all concerned are kept fully informed about proposals and decisions relating to the administrative reorganisation of the service.
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§ Mr. Lomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he can now state the date when he will lay his proposals for changes in the National Health Service before the House.
§ Sir K. JosephI expect to publish a White Paper shortly, though I cannot yet state an exact date for this.