HC Deb 25 February 1982 vol 18 cc487-8W
Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will encourage the establishment of psychiatric services management teams along the proposals of the Nodder committee by the new district health authorities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Health circular HC(80)8 on the structure and management of the reorganised NHS, issued to health authorities in July 1980, does allow for the setting up of management units for client care services along the lines described in the Nodder report. Although we believe it is important that new management units should derive from service considerations, such as district-wide management units for psychiatric services, it is for health authorities themselves to make these decisions in the light of their local circumstances.

Mr. Skinner

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will list the health districts where psychiatric services management teams, as recommended by the Nodder committee, have been established.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

The new district health authorities are required to establish management units by 31 March 1983 though some may be able to do so earlier. We asked for reports on progress by 31 July 1982 and 30 April 1983.