§ Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements exist to involve representatives of the private sector in the long-term planning of health facilities (a) generally and (b) for long-term care of the elderly.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe issued guidance to health authorities on co-operation with the independent sector in 1981 (circular HC (81)1). In this we stressed the need to take account of current and planned facilities available in the private sector when planning the provision of NHS services. We have repeated this advice in later guidance on the NHS planning system and stressed the need for consultations with all interested groups on the development of plans and programmes. We have advised health authorities that where independent sector provision is likely to make a material impact on NHS services at district level, particularly through contractual arrangements, representatives of the independent sector institutions concerned should be invited to join the relevant planning teams. All this advice applies to the planning of services for the elderly.