§ Alistair BurtTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason the consultation period for the discussion document "Involving Patients and the Public in Healthcare", was six weeks; what consideration was given 829W to the Cabinet Office code of conduct on written consultations relating to minimum standard periods; and if he will make a statement. [13666]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 8 November 2001]: Much of the content of "Involving Patients and the Public in Healthcare" had been the subject of full public debate both in the House and more widely for a number of months, not least during the passage of the Health and Social Care Act 2001. The purpose of the listening exercise was to seek the views of a wide range of stakeholders about how structures for patient and public involvement should operate in practice.
Although the period given for discussion was shortened, the listening exercise for the discussion document met the spirit and principles of the Cabinet Office guidance in every other respect.
We have received around 1,000 written responses to the listening exercise from members of the public, community health councils, National Health Service bodies, the voluntary sector and local government. In addition we have also commissioned a research company to conduct some research with people from socially excluded groups about their views on the proposed new structures.
We made our response available on 16 November—a copy will be placed in the Library.