§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy towards the amalgamation of district health authorities with family health service authorities; whether consultation with the medical profession is required before proposals are submitted to her; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleMerger between district health authorities and family health services authorities was identified in "Working for Patients" as a possible long-term option. However, this would require changes to primary legislation, and we have no immediate plans for taking this forward. Primary and secondary care have complementary roles in implementing the "Health of the Nation" strategy. District health authorities and family health services authorities will need to work closely together to improve health. There is substantial scope for this within the current arrangements, for example joint strategies, health investment plans, managerial and public health appointments.
§ Mr. ShersbyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy towards the amalgamation of district health authorities in the North West Thames region; what evidence she has that larger purchasing authorities are more effective in obtaining services from NHS trust hospitals; what consideration she is giving to the need for co-terminosity in a borough such as Hillingdon; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleNorth West Thames regional health authority has been consulting locally on proposals for 513W changing district health authorities boundaries to match those of family health services authorities and social services. A public meeting was held on 9 June 1992. We expect any proposals for changing the boundaries of district health authorities to have local support and to demonstrate clear benefits for patients.