29 November 2002
Speaking at the annual CIPFA in Wales conference in Cardiff, Jane Hutt said that new health boards would radically improve local provision and encourage much greater use of partnerships. They represented 'a whole new way of working', she said.
From next April, 22 health boards – with boundaries matching those of the 22 local authorities in the principality – will replace the current five health authorities. Each board will have up to four local government nominees, one of whom will be an elected member.
'This does herald a distinct approach being taken in Wales based on partnership and community development,' she said. 'The boards' new responsibilities for commissioning, securing and delivering health care in their localities will help ensure that resources are used wisely and in response to local needs.'
The Welsh Assembly is also planning to increase the powers of community health councils, which represent the views of patients. Details are included in the Health (Wales) Bill currently undergoing its second reading at Westminster.
'The strengthening of the patients' voice through community health councils will give the people of Wales an unparalleled strong and meaningful local structure that will deliver for them,' Hutt told delegates.
Hutt's approach is fundamentally different to that of Health Secretary Alan Milburn in England. She has already ruled out the introduction of foundation hospitals in Wales, saying she wanted an NHS 'based on co-operation not competition'.
PFnov2002
