§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if intermediate care services will be provided by(a) the NHS and (b) the private sector; and if he will make a statement. [126225]
§ Mr. HuttonWe remain committed to the modernisation of the National Health Service which will continue to provide a universal service, free at the point of use and available to all on the basis of clinical need. Development of intermediate care is a key part of the Government's programme to improve services for older people, including the National Service Framework. It can be achieved in a number of ways—by investing more in NHS hospitals, including giving new life to community hospitals, and by entering into new arrangements with the private sector.
The whole system approach, which typifies intermediate care and is essential to its development, should recognise the contribution made by all partners in the health and social care system, including the independent sector. The same standards of clinical quality and effectiveness will apply to both NHS and non-NHS providers, and services should provide value for money.
§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish details of the proposed new intermediate care arrangements and their impact on local authority services; and if he will make a statement. [126224]
§ Mr. HuttonWe shall announce detailed proposals on the introduction of new intermediate care services later this summer. Intermediate care involves a variety of different services in preventing inappropriate admissions to hospitals or long-term care and in providing active rehabilitation and support on discharge from hospital. Local authority services will have an important part to play in intermediate care. Our proposals will be influenced by the work of the modernisation action team on partnership, charged with ensuring that all parts of the health and social care, including local authority services, work together more efficiently.
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§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his definition is of intermediate care. [126227]
§ Mr. HuttonIntermediate care is a whole system approach to a range of multi-disciplinary, multi-agency services designed to promote independence by reducing avoidable hospital admission; facilitating timely discharge from hospital and promoting effective rehabilitation; and minimising premature or avoidable dependence on long-term care in institutional settings.
§ Mr. AustinTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what advice and guidance he has issued to(a) the NHS and (b) local authority social services regarding intermediate care since 1999. [126226]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Health Service Circular of 23 May issued jointly to local health and social care communities made it clear that the development of intermediate care was an integral part of winter planning. More detailed planning guidance is to be issued to health and social care communities in the summer.