§ 14. Miss Anne McIntosh (Vale of York)What recent representations he has received on the setting up of primary care trusts; and if he will make a statement. [122875]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Mr. John Denham)I and my officials have regular meetings with a range of relevant national and local organisations to discuss the establishment of primary care trusts.
§ Miss McIntoshWhat action are the Government planning to take, through primary care trusts, to improve treatment for osteoporosis?
§ Mr. DenhamPrimary care trusts, with other players in the local health economy, have a key role to play in drawing up local health improvement plans and in ensuring that those plans reflect national and local priorities. Therefore, issues such as osteoporosis can certainly be dealt with by primary care trusts in conjunction with other local organisations. Additionally, as primary care trusts will be able to bring together existing general practitioners and practice nurses with staff from community health trusts in many areas, some of the care that is provided particularly for patients living in the community may be better provided in future. For a range of chronic conditions, but particularly those affecting the elderly, primary care trusts offer new opportunities to provide better services in the new NHS.