§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance she has given to district health authorities regarding the contracting out of continuing elderly care; and if she will make a statement;
(2) how many health authorities have contracted out the provision of continuing elderly care in the last year; and if she will list them, stating the number of patients affected.
§ Mr. YeoIn purchasing continuing care, health authorities are expected to consider the whole range of available services, including those in the independent sector. The extent of such provision, including any purchased from independent providers, is a matter for individual health authorities to determine in the light of local needs and priorities.