§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what response he has had from regional and district health authorities to circular HC(88)43; and if he will make a statement about his efforts to promote co-operation between authorities and organisations representing those in residential care.
§ Mrs. CurrieHC(88)43 entitled "Health Services Development—Resource assumptions and planning guidelines" provides health authorities with guidelines for their plans for 1989–90. Regional health authorities' proposals for that year are not due to arrive at the Department until February 1989. We have therefore had no substantive response from health authorities yet. The circular asks health authorities, in planning the care of people with mental handicaps, mental illness, physical or sensory disabilities, and the care of elderly people, to take the views of consumers and the voluntary organisations which represent them into account. Following Lady Wagner's report (Residential Care—A Positive Choice) we are considering ways of making residential care more responsive to consumer choice.