§ Mr. SpearingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what consultations she has had with the North East Thames regional health authority prior to the establishment of the City and East London family and community health services unit; if she will give its terms of reference; if she will give the names of its chairman, board and principal officials; to whom it is accountable; if she intends it to assume the responsibilities of the family health service authority for its area; and if it will be eligible for future trust status.
§ Dr. MawhinneyI refer the hon. Member to my reply by letter of 30 November—copies of which are available in the Library—in response to his earlier question about the City and East London family and community services.
Departmental officials have been in discussion with North East Thames regional health authority about CELFACHS. In respect of community health responsibilities, CELFACHS is a directly managed unit, accountable to East London and the City health authority. As such, it does not have a chairman or a management board. Its project director is Ms Hilary Scott. She is also to be employed by the family health services authority, whose responsibilities remain unchanged. Through these arrangements, CELFACHS will support the district and family health authorities in co-ordinating the management of family and community health services and in considering possible national health service trust configurations in east London. Whether or not any unit is eligible for trust status depends on compliance with relevant legislation governing NHS trusts and successful completion of the rigorous assessment process.