Hlth161 Communications with Prof Marcus Longley regarding the Case for Change document (Saesneg yn unig)

4 July 2012

Dear

Thank you for your email of 29 May asking for the following information:

• Details of discussions/correspondence between Professor Marcus Longley, the NHS Confederation Wales and the Welsh Government regarding the Case for Change document over the last six months.

We have identified information which falls within scope of your request.  The relevant extracts are attached to this reply.

In responding to your request for information, I think it is important that we set out the context for the "Case for Change" document and the process for its production.' Together for Health – a Five Year Vision for the NHS in Wales' sets out the challenges facing the health service in Wales and the changes needed to ensure Wales has high quality services. Together for Health is clear that retaining the status quo is not an option.  As part of their response to the challenge set in Together for Health,  Health Board Chief Executives and the NHS Confederation commissioned the Wales Institute for Health and Social Care (WIHSC) to articulate a “National Case for Change” against the available evidence base.

The report produced by Professor Longley is owned by the Health Boards and the NHS Confederation, and its purpose is to articulate the reasons why Health Boards need to change services, and to help Health Boards in engaging with their communities about the future of hospital services in Wales.  During its production, Welsh Government officials responded to requests for statistical and other information from  Professor Longley and  the Confederation. Given the importance and high level of public, political and media interest in any proposed changes to NHS services,  officials in Department of Health, Social Services and Children; the Minister for Health and Social Services and Welsh Government's Cabinet were, of course, updated on progress in developing the Case for Change and on the timing and plans for its publication.  The Cabinet were informed of the content of the Professor Longley's report in a Cabinet paper which was made public on 27April 2012 and is available here (see spotlight). Throughout its production, the Welsh Government did not seek to influence or amend the content of the report, as that was entirely a matter for the NHS Confederation and for Professor Longley.

If you believe that I have not followed the relevant laws, or you are unhappy with this response, you may request an internal review by writing to:
Joanna Jordan
Director
Department for Health, Social Services and Children
Cathays Park
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ

When dealing with any concerns, we will follow the principles set out in the Welsh Government’s Code of Practice on Complaints which is available on the Internet at www.wales.gov.uk or by post.

You also have the right to complain to the Information Commissioner. Normally, however, you should provide us with an opportunity to undertake an internal review before you complain to the Information Commissioner.  The Information Commissioner can be contacted at:

Information Commissioner’s Office
Wycliffe House
Water Lane
Wilmslow
Cheshire
SK9 5AF
Tel: 01625 545 745
Fax: 01625 524 510
Email: casework@ico.gsi.gov.uk

Also, if you think that there has been maladministration in dealing with your request then you may make a complaint to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales who can be contacted at:
Public Services Ombudsman for Wales
Ffordd yr Hen Gae
Pencoed
Bridgend
CF35 5LJ

Yours sincerely,

Department for Health, Social Services and Children
Welsh Government