Written question asked by Paul Burstow (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 19 November 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 28 November 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 28 November 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what function and powers the strategic health authorities have in (a) monitoring the provision and commissioning of specialised healthcare services and (b) managing the performance of individual primary care trusts. - (Holding answer 25 November 2002).

Answer: Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what function and powers the strategic health authorities have in (a) monitoring the provision and commissioning of specialised healthcare services and (b) managing the performance of individual primary care trusts. [82779] Mr. Hutton: [holding answer 225 November 2002]: The functions of strategic health authorities and primary care trusts in relation to specialised services are set out in the National Health Service (Functions of Strategic Health Authorities and Primary Care Trusts and Administration Arrangements) (England) Regulations 2002 (Statutory Instrument 2002/2375). Regulation 2(1) of these Regulations defines "specialised services". Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Regulations sets out the functions exercisable by primary care trusts, which are to be performance managed by strategic health authorities. Where specialised services commissioning arrangements cross strategic health authority boundaries, the directorate of health and social care facilitates agreement and if necessary, determines disputes.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 82779; 395 c414-5W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Health services Functions Health authorities NHS Powers Primary care trusts Standards
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk