HC Deb 09 March 1995 vol 256 cc272-3W
Ms Rachel Squire

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will issue detailed guidelines on the criteria to be used to determine whether a person is in need of health care or social care.

Lord James Douglas-Hamilton

In his statement to the Scottish Grand Committee on 1 March,Official Report, Scottish Grand Committee, columns 1-12, my noble and learned Friend the Minister of State announced that as part of an on-going review of all aspects of continuing care and care in the community the Scottish Office has continued to refine the guidance that is available in this respect.

Consistent with the approach adopted by the Department of Health, to which the Scottish Office contributed, detailed guidance on the operational aspects of arranging and funding continuing care services is to be issued from the Scottish Office.

A letter issued on 1 March from the Scottish Office on this matter to directors of social work, general managers of health boards and chief executives on NHS trusts in Scotland. A copy of this letter has been placed in the Library of the House.