HC Deb 03 March 1999 vol 326 cc781-2W
22. Mr. Rogers

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what progress has been made in establishing local health groups in Wales. [72476]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

Good progress has been made by all Health Authorities in establishing Local Health Groups (LHGs).

The majority of appointments to LHG Boards are complete and early meetings have been positive. Arrangements are in hand to appoint staff. Shadow LHG Boards and Executive Committees have begun to identify key work priorities, and are taking steps to address their specific training and development needs.

All 22 LHGs are on course to be operational as sub committees of Health Authorities by 1 April, as planned.

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a function for the National Assembly.

26. Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement about the progress that has been made by each health authority in establishing local health groups. [72481]

Mr. Jon Owen Jones

Each of the five Health Authorities in Wales has reported making good progress in establishing Local Health Groups (LHGs).

The majority of appointments to LHG Boards are complete and early meetings have been positive. Arrangements are in hand to appoint staff. Shadow LHG Boards and Executive Committees have begun to identify key work priorities, and are taking steps to address their specific training and development needs.

All 22 LHGs are on course to be operational as sub committees of Health Authorities by 1 April, as planned.

Following the transfer of functions, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.