§ Mr. MealeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will issue guidelines to helath authorities and health trusts requiring them to involve local health professionals in the planning of health services in their areas; [28874]
(2) if he will issue guidelines to health authorities and trusts requiring them to obtain the advice of (a) psychiatrists and (b) other health professionals practising locally in the NHS when developing strategic plans for mental health. [28873]
§ Mr. MaloneHealth authorities are responsible for developing local health service strategies in partnership with primary care, local trusts and other agencies and are legally required to take appropriate professional advice in carrying out their functions. This is set out in EL(94)79 and HSG(95)11, copies of which are available in the Library.