HC Deb 01 July 1993 vol 227 c614W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the cost to the NHS of paying for the provision of acute psychiatric services in the private sector for NHS patients in each of the last five years.

Mr. Bowis

Under the national health service reforms, it is the responsibility of health authorities to purchase appropriate care from cost-effective sources including the private sector. The extent to which health authorities commission care from the private sector is not available centrally.

Mr. Clapham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made to improve significantly the health and social functioning of mentally ill people.

Mr. Bowis

There has been considerable progress over the years. In line with the three strategies set out in "The Health of the Nation" we have taken a number of steps towards improving information and understanding; developing comprehensive local services; and continuing the development of good practice. This includes funding the first national survey of psychiatric illness; issuing the "Mental Illness Key Area Handbook"; and distributing good practice guidance in the "Care Programme Approach"—a copy of which will be placed in the Library—and much more.