Integration of Health and Social Services

HC Deb 29 October 2002 vol 391 cc741-2W

Roger Casale

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what further steps he intends to take to promote the integration of health and social services. [75367]

Jacqui Smith

The Government intend to continue to support the integration of health services, with not only social services but all health-related functions of councils.

This month the Department of Health, working with the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, will launch a new network to further support and promote joint working.

We have also recently announced our intention to pilot Children's Trusts. We expect as a minimum that these will bring together services from health, education and social care to deliver better co-ordinated services for children and their parents.