§ 26. Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what assessment he has made of the implementation of the Government's regional strategy document for Northern Ireland health and personal social services for 1992 to 1997; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HanleyFollowing the publication in November 1991 of the 1992–1997 regional strategy each board produced an area strategy which endorsed the priorities332W and targets it contained. Since then the Eastern and Southern boards have undertaken major reviews of the acute hospital services required by their population. They are currently consulting widely on their proposals for the future of these important services before making final decisions.
The annual management plan, issued by the HPSS management executive, sets a range of interim objectives and targets based on those in the regional strategy. The boards' purchasing prospectuses in turn reflect the content of the management plan and specify the level of services that boards wish to purchase in pursuit of strategic goals.
In addition to those targets which boards can act on immediately, there are a number of objectives and targets in the regional strategy where collaborative work would be of value. The regional strategy advisory group, under the chairmanship of the HPSS chief executive, has been established to take forward work in these areas.
The regional strategy also recognises the important role that other government Departments have to play in improving the health and social well-being of the population. An inter-departmental group on health issues has been established under the chairmanship of the permanent secretary of the Department of Health and Social Services.