HC Deb 26 April 1994 vol 242 cc97-8
11. Mr. Paice

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken to ensure that district health authorities involve the public fully in their purchasing decisions.

Dr. Mawhinney

I wrote in January this year to all district health authorities to ensure that arrangements were in place to seek, and act upon, the views of local people. The responses to my letter indicated that many, but not all, authorities had done much good work to involve local people.

I have asked the chief executive of the national health service executive to write to regional directors to ensure that appropriate action is taken locally to address identified shortcomings and to report back to me later in the year.

Mr. Paice

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply. Does he accept that the convenience of facilities is vital, especially to people living in rural areas? In that context, is he aware that my constituents in Ely are anxious for the Princess of Wales former RAF hospital to have a wide range of services, including the treatment of minor injuries and, they, hope, day surgery in the near future? Will he speak to the local health authority to ensure that it notes the views of local people, not just those of the professionals involved?

Dr. Mawhinney

My hon. Friend is right to draw particular attention to the issue of convenience as it relates to people who live in rural areas. That is one of the issues that I have drawn to the attention of the service generally. As for the latter part of my hon. Friend's question, I know that he and other Conservative Members are acting assiduously on behalf of their constituents—not least because they have already raised the matter with me.

Mrs. Anne Campbell

Is the Minister aware that if the public in my constituency had been consulted about purchasing decisions, they would have asked for resources to cut the present four-year waiting list to see an orthopaedic consultant at Addenbrookes hospital?

Dr. Mawhinney

I am encouraged by the fact that, for the first time that I can remember, the hon. Lady is starting to take a constructive attitude to the delivery of health care in her constituency.

Mr. Anthony Coombs

I recognise the importance of district health authorities' ensuring accountability in the provision of local health services. Does my right hon. Friend agree, however, that the primary impetus comes from GP fundholders, who now treat 88 per cent. of my constituents? Will he ensure that the scope of reforms for GP fundholders is widened via the Bromsgrove project —which allows them to purchase accident and emergency services as well—and that single-hander GP fundholders will be allowed to operate?

Dr. Mawhinney

My hon. Friend is right to point to the positive effect of GP fundholding in terms of the input of local people's views. I hope that he will be encouraged to learn that I have written to all GP fundholders in the country, asking them to suggest from their experience how we can best expand the scheme from April next year. We shall be holding a national conference on that very subject on Thursday this week.