HC Deb 19 June 1995 vol 262 cc75-6W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list the arrangements for informing the media of(a) the publication of the 1995 NHS performance tables and (b) ancillary events during Charter Week. [29230]

Mr. Redwood

The media have been given the opportunity to receive advance embargoed copies of the performance tables on 30 June. A press release will also be issued by my Department. It will be for local service providers to publicise any events held during Charter Week.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has made to the chief executives of health authorities and trusts requesting the provision of good news stories about patients charter achievements in connection with the publication of the 1995 performance tables during Charter Week. [29236]

Mr. Redwood

Chief executives of health authorities and trusts have been asked to announce to the press and public what action they are taking to improve performance where this is needed and to take this opportunity to set out their successes, where this is merited. I have not asked them to spend extra money on publicity or advertising.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his current estimate of the total cost to public funds of the NHS 1995 performance tables publication and the media exercise connected with it during Charter Week. [29228]

Mr. Redwood

The total Welsh Office budget for the 1995 NHS comparative performance tables is £45,000.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his current estimate of the number of doctors and nurses to be involved in the press launches for the publication of the NHS patients charter 1995 performance tables during Charter Week; and how much time they will be required to spend(a) in total and (b) away from their regular medical duties. [29231]

Mr. Redwood

The degree to which health professionals are involved in publicising some of their achievements, as illustrated by patients charter comparative performance tables, is an issue for each NHS trust.