§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice is given by his Department concerning the definition of appropriate care for the terminally ill between community care and health care; who has the responsibility of resolving any disagreement between local social services and health authorities on this matter; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe White Paper, "Caring for People", published in November 1989, makes it clear that health authorities are responsible for the medical and nursing component of care for people who are terminally ill, and that support for hospice care remains with health authorities. Social services authorities have responsibility for arranging the social care and support which may be needed by terminally ill people living in the community. It is for health and local authorities to determine how these responsibilities will be discharged. The Department's policy guidance, "Community Care in the Next Decade and Beyond", published in November 1990, a copy of which is available in the Library, emphasises the need for effective collaboration.