HC Deb 13 May 2004 vol 421 cc590-1W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) which(a) individuals and (b) organisations will be consulted by those charged with carrying out the studies commissioned by the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Health and Social Care Sub-Group; [172168]

(2) what the (a) terms of reference and (b) intended date for completion is of each of the studies mentioned in paragraph 53 of the Cross-Government Statement (matters 1, 2, 3, 4) on the draft Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy that the Miltion Keynes and South Midlands Health and Social Care Group has commissioned; and who is responsible for carrying out each one; [172169]

(3) when he intends to publish a 30-year health and social care vision for the Milton Keynes and South Midlands sub-region, as mentioned in paragraph 98 of the Cross-Government Statement (matters 1, 2, 3, 4) on the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub-Regional Strategy. [172172]

Yvette Cooper

I have been asked to reply.

The studies commissioned by the Milton Keynes South Midlands Health and Social Care Sub-group have been funded through the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's Growth Areas Fund. These studies cover two workstreams. The first workstream is to examine how the interaction between health and the built environment can inform best practice in developing sustainable communities in the MKSM Growth Area. The second workstream is focusing on the delivery of health and social care services in response to the proposed growth in housing and population. The studies will provide a 30 year health and social care vision for the sub-region with a development plan and action plan to achieve the vision. The studies are due to be completed in June 2005.

The Chief Executive of the Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland Strategic Health Authority is the Chair of the Sub-Group. A full-time Project Director has also been appointed for the studies and to co-ordinate consultation activity.

The Sub-group has comprehensive representation from the health community, including the representatives of the relevant Primary Care Trusts, local authority social care departments, the three Strategic Health Authorities; the three Regional Public Health Groups of the Department of Health; the three Workforce Development Confederations (WDCs) and from NHS Estates. In addition a stakeholder reference group has been formed which will enable emerging ideas to be tested with a wide range of stakeholders, including health service users. This currently includes representatives from the local NHS Trusts, local authority Health Scrutiny Committees and patient representatives, and the intention is to expand its scope to include District Councils, Local Strategic Partnerships, independent sector service providers, and other interested groups.

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