HC Deb 22 April 2002 vol 384 cc119-21W
Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the names and areas of residence of those people who formed the interviewing panel for the appointment of non-executive directors of the Warrington PCT. [48962]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 15 April 2002]: The interview panel was chaired by Miss Rosemary Cooper, who is chair of Liverpool Women's Hospital Trust and lives in Liverpool. The other panel members were Mr. Robin Brown, recently appointed chair of Warring Primary Care Trust, who live in the Warrington, South constituency, and Mrs. Marlene Armitage, who was the independent panel member and lives in Oldham.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with(a) local and (b) national bodies on the failure of the Warrington PCT to appoint a chief executive; and if he will make a statement. [48957]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 15 April 2002]: The appointment of primary care trust chief executives is a matter for each individual PCT. However, I am aware that the Department's north west regional office placed advertisements in early December for the appointment of chief executives to seven prospective PCTs, including Warrington. It is disappointing that this has not resulted in an appointment in Warrington. However, I understand the PCT chair is actively seeking to appoint the high calibre person needed to take on the full range of responsibilities required for this large PCT and is currently re-advertising the post.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 17 January, (1) if he will make a statement on whether the board membership of the Warrington PCT is considered to reflect the geographical area it serves; [48963]

(2) how many people from the (a) Warrington, North and (b) Warrington, South constituencies applied for positions as non-executive directors of the Warrington PCT; and what percentage of applicants from each constituency were (i) interviewed and (ii) appointed. [48960]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answers 15 April 2002]: Appointments to the boards of national health service trusts, strategic health authorities, primary care trusts and care trusts are now a matter for the NHS Appointments Commission. While the commission does not take into account or have information on constituency boundaries, it always aims to ensure as far as possible that board membership reflects the geographical area served by the NHS body. However, board members do not serve in any representative capacity and all appointments are made on the merits of the candidates involved, in accordance with the criteria determined by the Secretary of State and the Code of Practice issued by the Commissioner for Public Appointments.

Of the 51 applications received for non-executive appointments to the board of Warrington Primary Care Trust, 28 candidates (54.9 per cent.) live in the Warrington, North constituency and 23 in Warrington, South (45.1 per cent.). Of the 13 candidates subsequently interviewed, six (46.2 per cent.) live in Warrington, North and seven (53.8 per cent.) in Warrington, South. All of the three non-executives appointed to date live in Warrington, South. A further two appointments will be made shortly.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the number of applications for posts as non-executive directors of the Warrington PCT which were not acknowledged. [48961]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 15 April 2002]: All applications for appointment to the board of Warrington Primary Care Trust were acknowledged by the National Health Service Appointments Commission on 12 October 2001. Those applicants who were not called for interview will receive a further letter from the Appointments Commission very shortly explaining that they have been unsuccessful.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Warrington PCT is taking to tackle health inequalities in Warrington; and if he will make a statement. [48959]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 15 April 2002]: Warrington identified health inequalities as one of its four key priorities in its Primary Care Trust application. Prior to its establishment, the PCT raised the profile of health inequality in Warrington with the Local Strategic Partnership and particularly through the Health and Wellbeing Partnership. A health inequality sub-group has been established as part of the Health and Wellbeing Partnership to bring a multi-agency focus and resource to tackle poor health in central Warrington. The PCT is working with partners to identify a Warrington Health Improvement Zone, which will form the focus for targeting resources in the future.

Helen Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with board members of the Warrington PCT on their priorities for action; and if he will make a statement. [48958]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 15 April 2002]: Throughout the consultation and preparatory period applicant primary care trusts have been able to contact officials at the former NHS Executive regional office to discuss any aspects of their proposal.

All PCTs need to deliver against key national priorities such as those identified in the NHS Plan and National Service Frameworks. However PCT's, as the most local NHS organisation, are best place to understand the needs of their local population. As part of their role to improve the health of their populations, secure the provision of services and integrate health and social care, PCTs will identify priorities for action locally, in addition to national priorities that meet the specific needs of their population.