§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the introduction so far in the National Health Service in Wales of general management consequent upon the Griffiths report.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonThe introduction of management structures associated with the implementation of general management in the National Health Service in Wales is proceeding satisfactorily. A general manager has been appointed in all district health authorities and at the Welsh Health Common Service Authority. The arrangements for implementing general management at district and unit levels have been approved in all cases following extensive dialogue with authorities. A number of unit general managers have already been appointed. The Executive committee of the Health Policy Board is to monitor structure proposals for the sub unit level.
§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what initiatives he proposes to strengthen the capability of nurses to participate in the management of health care in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State and I have made it clear to health authorities that their new management structures must provide appropriate channels for the submission of professional advice and further that they should encourage applications for posts in general management from all disciplines, including nurses. Already two nurses have been appointed to unit general manager posts.
The post of chief administrative nursing officer is to be maintained in all health authorities and nurses will also have a recognised and important role to play at unit level.
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§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he takes to ensure that the professional views of midwives in the National Health Service in Wales are considered by senior management; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonI recognise that the midwifery profession has an important role in the NHS, and the health authorities are aware of this.
Midwives are members of, for example, the statutory Welsh Nursing and Midwifery Committee, the Welsh National Board for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting which has its own midwifery committee, and of a number of other national committees.