Primary Care Trust Patients' Forums

HL Deb 07 November 2002 vol 640 cc140-1WA

Lord Clement-Jones

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the basis for their estimate of the number of staff that will be required by primary care trust patients' forums to enable them to carry out their statutory functions satisfactorily; and what roles are envisaged for such staff. [HL6150]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath:

The Commission for Patient and Public Involvement in Health's chair designate and her interim team, along with the Department of Health, are still considering potential structures for the organisation of and staffing levels for patients' forums. The assumptions assisting current discussions are around ensuring sufficient support for patients' forums members and effective delivery of the functions of both bodies. As yet no conclusions have been reached.

Staff attached to primary care trust patients' forums will support the forums, undertake all their functions and will help them work together.