HC Deb 12 March 1996 vol 273 cc563-4W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 4 March,Official Report, column 99, on the emergency admissions action plan, if his meeting with the unitary authorities to discuss budgetary constraints on levels of community care has taken place. [20362]

Mr. Hague

I have no plans to meet local authorities to discuss the provision of community care. The local government settlement is discussed each year with the Welsh Consultative Council on Local Government Finance. The settlement for 1996–97 includes £146.6 million for community care, an increase of £25.2 million or 20 per cent. on 1995–96. It is for individual local authorities to decide how to use their resources in the light of local needs and priorities, and for health and local authorities to agree locally their respective responsibilities for continuing care.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 4 March,Official Report, column 99, on the emergency admissions action plan, when he plans to publish the intensive care unit-bed review. [20363]

Mr. Hague

When all the substantive replies to the intensive care review have been received from health authorities, these will be assessed to establish whether the Department needs to offer further guidance to the NHS in Wales.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 4 March.Official Report, column 99, what action he has taken in respect of the undertaking given in the emergency medical admissions plan to co-ordinate the general practitioner out-of-hours scheme. [20364]

Mr. Hague

Action to co-ordinate GP out-of-hours emergency admissions and improve communications with trusts and health authorities remains a matter for the appropriate family health services authority or its successor after 1 April 1996. This is covered in the statement of fees and allowances.

Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales, pursuant to his answer of 4 March,Official Report, column 99, on the emergency admissions action plan, if the community hospital working group is functioning; and what advice he will be seeking from it in relation to support roles to district general hospitals. [20365]

Mr. Hague

The review by the community hospital working group is nearing completion. Advice will be issued to the service shortly, including guidance on how community hospitals in Wales can most appropriately support district general hospitals.