§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the role of primary health care provision in North Wales. [68362]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe North Wales Health Authority is responsible for assessing, monitoring and arranging for the provision of health services in its area in order to meet clinical needs. This responsibility extends over both the primary and secondary sectors.
The Welsh Office maintains oversight of health authorities in Wales; in the exercise of these functions officials meet representatives of each authority on a regular basis to review and report on progress.
The Government's White Paper "Putting Patients First" set out our proposals for restoring and modernising the NHS. The aim is to ensure that services are developed in partnership and driven by a concern for quality, effectiveness and efficiency. Primary health care provision has a key role to play in that process and Local Health Groups will be established on 1 April. These groups will harness the skills and experience of primary care professionals and will work with partners such as local 747W authorities and the voluntary sector, to ensure that the services provided are responsive to the needs and circumstances of local people.
In future this will become the responsibility of the National Assembly.