Written - Consultation Paper: Proposals for the Future of Specialised and Tertiary Services

On the 26th March 2009, the above Consultation Paper was issued for a twelve-week consultation period, which closed on the 19th June 2009.  

I agreed to provide Assembly Members with an update on the outcome of the consultation and any emerging findings before recess.

The Consultation Paper set out proposals for a new national service for specialised and tertiary services, with the seven Local Health Boards (LHBs) fulfilling these functions through a Joint Committee.  Cwm Taf LHB would host the Joint Committee.

At the closing date, one hundred and twenty-four (124) responses were received, all of which have been published in full on the Assembly Government website. No late responses have been received.

Responses were received from a wide range of organisations and representative bodies with an interest in the Health Service in Wales, including NHS Trusts, LHBs, Community Health Councils, Third Sector bodies, Universities, and Networks . I have taken the opportunity to read each of these responses over recent weeks.

I am very pleased that there was such a large consensus amongst respondents, supporting the proposals in the Consultation Paper.  Respondents supported the establishment of a Joint Committee of the seven LHBs, and agreed that Cwm Taf LHB should act as the host organisation for that Joint Committee.

As a result, I am able to confirm my direction of travel – my intention to establish the Joint Committee, hosted by Cwm Taf LHB, from the 1st October 2009.

Following consultation, there are a number of issues on which further detailed work is now needed.  These include the governance model for the Joint Committee, the range of services to be planned locally by the seven LHBs, and those to be planned for nationally.

The future of clinical networks is another area I want to consider further.  I have separately commissioned work to bring forward proposals for a managed clinical network for renal services, and am considering establishing an All-Wales Renal Network to be managed by the Joint Committee.

I am also considering the benefits of strengthening the national approach to specialist cancer services, and will be establishing a specific project to examine options more fully.

A number of responses referred to the importance of retaining the relationship with English providers.  I can assure Members that there is no proposal to change the current arrangements.

A number of responses pointed to the potential advantages of a shadow period between October 2009 and April 2010, and I am conscious of the successful contribution which a shadow period has made to the establishment of the seven Welsh Local Health Boards.

Further discussion will be needed between the Assembly Government and the NHS about the practicalities of a mid year transfer.  This transition will need to be managed carefully, and a Transition Director will shortly be in place to build upon the detailed project work already undertaken.

I will report progress on this, and all other issues identified in this statement, to Members in the Autumn term.