§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what recent measures he has initiated to ensure enhanced health care for Flintshire people; and if he will make a statement. [74184]
Mr. Jon Owen JonesThe provision of health care is a high priority and I am pleased to be able to report a number of significant developments for the people of Flintshire.
The new North East Wales NHS Trust (to be established on 1 April) will integrate community health and acute services for the people of Flintshire. This will allow clinicians in both sectors to collaborate in providing a seamless service from the time a patient is referred to 171W the time they recover. I expect this to be of particular benefit to the elderly and other vulnerable groups whose care often extends across both sectors.
The introduction of Local Health Groups (LHGs) will bring significant benefits in terms of inclusive local decision making on commissioning of health services responsive to local need, and developing the role of primary care. Flintshire LHG is on course to be operational as a sub committee of the Health Authority from 1 April.
Since May 1996, three new NHS dental practices have been opened as a direct result of grant aid, totalling £100,000, from the Welsh Office dental initiative. Grant aid is still available to assist the Health Authority to attract new dentists to 2 further areas within Flintshire.
£193k of Winter Pressure money funded a joint NHS/Social Services rapid response team covering the whole of Flintshire. Such joint working will be facilitated by the composition of LHGs and introduction of shared planning arrangements, notably Health Improvement Programmes.
Following the transfer of functions, this will be a matter for the National Assembly.