§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what procedures exist within the national health service in Scotland for resolving disputes between an NHS trust and a health board about an NHS trust's budget; and which Department within the Scottish Office oversees this. [31467]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 7 June 1996]: I expect health boards, other purchasers, and NHS trusts to resolve contractual matters at local level, involving their senior officials and board members if necessary.
However, if they fail to reach agreement there is provision for either of the parties to refer the matter to my right hon. Friend for determination. The decision is communicated in writing to both parties concerned and is final and binding.
60W
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement indicating what will be the impact on patient care of the cuts being proposed by the Ayrshire and Arran health board in the budget of the North Ayrshire and Arran NHS trust. [31469]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 7 June 1996]: The statements issued by the trust and the health board following agreement on the contract negotiations for 1996–97 make it clear that every effort will be made to ensure that the existing high standards of patient care will be maintained.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he intends to take to ensure that no job losses or reductions in service occur as a result of the budget enforced on the North Ayrshire and Arran NHS trust. [31470]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 7 June 1996]: It is for the trust to determine what measures it has to take to live within its contract income. The job losses involved are to be regretted but the cash savings released in the longer term will be available for re-investment in direct patient care.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland which Department within the Scottish Office has responsibility for approving the performance levels which a health board in Scotland will seek from an NHS trust as part of its discussions with that trust before agreeing its budget. [31471]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 7 June 1996]: The performance and service requirements sought by each health board in advance of contract negotiations are set out in their annual purchasing intentions. These plans are produced and distributed by each board in January each year. They are not subject to approval by any Scottish Office Department.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make it his policy to refer the budget dispute between the North Ayrshire and Arran NHS trust and Ayrshire and Arran health board to the independent arbitration procedure operating within the NHS in Scotland. [31472]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 7 June 1996]: It is for the relevant health board or NHS trust involved in contract negotiation to decide whether to refer a matter under dispute for arbitration.
I understand that the contract between Ayrshire and Arran health board and North Ayrshire and Arran NHS trust has now been agreed and signed.
§ Mr. DonohoeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions officials from his Department have had with the management of the North Ayrshire and Arran NHS trust and Ayrshire and Arran health board in relation to the proposed budget for the trust. [31473]
§ Lord James Douglas-Hamilton[holding answer 10 June 1996]: Officials of the Scottish Office Department of Health have been in regular contact with both the trust and the health board during the contract negotiations. While the Department is always ready to offer its assistance, we expect boards and trusts to reach agreement through local negotiation, as in this case.