§ Sir David PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when his Department issued guidance on contracting after 1992 to the spinal injuries units; and what was the advice given.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyIn his annual statement about supra-regional services my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced in February 1991 the transfer of responsibility for funding spinal injury services to regions. This will become effective on 1 April 1992 and allows regional health authorities time to plan for smooth incorporation of units into the normal contracting arrangements.
§ Sir David PriceTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what funding spinal injuries units will receive directly from central Government after April 1992; how the former supra-regional funding will be distributed; and on what basis each unit will receive its allocation.
§ Mr. DorrellFrom 1 April 1992 funding currently provided to the spinal injury units via the supra-regional services has been included in the main revenue allocations of regional health authorities. Former supra-regional funding has been distributed to regions on the basis of historical patient flows to each unit. Units will receive funding via contracts agreed with purchasers.