§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy on involving the medical profession within the Health Service in the implementation of the various policies now being formed.
§ Dr. VaughanI am anxious that the medical profession should be closely involved in the implementation of policies. At the national level, there are established procedures of long standing for medical views to be sought regarding the implementation of proposed policies in the health field. Doctors are members of the health authorities' management teams and this will continue.
The Chief Medical Officer is presently chairing a working group to consider the advisory structure that further involves the medical profession in the management of the service. Particular consideration is also being given to the contribution community physicians make in both their management and specialist roles for health and local authorities.