HC Deb 31 October 1995 vol 265 cc88-9
6. Mr. Spring

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of general practitioners in Suffolk are in fundholding practices. [38216]

Mr. Malone

About 30 per cent. of general practitioners in Suffolk are fundholders serving 34 per cent. of the population. A further 4 per cent. of GPs serving a further 4 per cent. of the population are preparing to join the scheme from next April.

Mr. Spring

Is my hon. Friend aware of the increase in services to patients from GP fundholders in Suffolk, including the provision of surgery-based physiotherapy, new equipment for electrocardiograms and to test for glaucoma as well as additional support for community nursing services? Does my hon. Friend agree that this attests to the tremendous success of GP fundholding not only in Suffolk but right across the country?

Mr. Malone

Yes, I agree with my hon. Friend that GP fundholding introduces a tremendous new range of services for patients at local level. I have visited fundholding practices in East Anglia and would add to what my hon. Friend said by pointing out that many out-patient services are now provided in the context of a primary care setting, which is extremely important in rural constituencies.