§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many staff, previously employed by the community health councils, have left their jobs in the last six months. [127518]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonFigures on Community Health Council (CHC) staff leavers, which have been available since February 2003 when clearing houses were introduced, indicate that to end of June 2003, 100 CHC staff have left their jobs.
§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he estimates the last community health council will cease to function. [130319]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonI refer the hon. Member to the Written Ministerial Statement made by my hon. Friend, the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Mr. Lammy) on Wednesday 4 June 2003,Official Report, columns 22–23WS. It is still our intention to abolish community health councils on 1 December 2003.
§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the staffing levels of community health councils; and what estimate he has made of their likely staff levels on 1 November. [130711]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton[holding answer 16 September 2003]: The Department is working closely with the employing authorities of community health council (CHC) staff and is regularly monitoring the staffing level of CHCs in the run up to the abolition date of 1 December. It is estimated that on 1 November there will be approximately 380 CHC staff.
§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what arrangements are being put in place to ensure that those community health councils which have to move from their premises prior to 1 December remain fully operational. [130712]
§ Ms Rosie Winterton[holding answer 16 September 2003]: Each community health council (CHC) has an exit strategy. In the case of those CHCs who have to move premises prior to 1 December the CHC lead will consult and discuss fully with the chair, members and staff the arrangements that will be in place for the operation of that CHC.