§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the work is of the care group workforce teams; [36900]
(2) what the budget is of each care group workforce team; [36897]
(3) when the Care Group Workforce Team on Mental Health was established; and what is its remit; [36899]
(4) what powers the Care Group Workforce Team on Mental Health has; [36898]
§ Jacqui SmithThe care group workforce teams are multi-disciplinary bodies set up to support the National Workforce Development Board (NWDB) and the relevant service taskforce. They lead on national strategies for producing the right workforce to deliver NHS Plan962W commitments for service improvements, across health, social care and the independent and voluntary sectors, within their remit.
Seven CGWTs were established on 19 November 2001. They cover services for children (including maternity and gynaecology), older people, cancer, coronary heart disease, mental health, long-term conditions (including diabetes and renal), and emergency care (including accident and emergency, ambulance services, and critical care).
The CGWTs do not hold dedicated budgets but influence the way mainstream national health service budgets are spent.
The terms of reference and first year priorities for each care group are currently being finalised and will be placed in the Library shortly.
§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the success of the care group work force teams on mental health will be evaluated. [36896]
§ Jacqui SmithThe overall success of the care group work force teams will be measured by the provision of a work force that better matches service needs. The mental health care group work force team will develop specific mechanisms as part of its first year work programme.