§ 6. Colin Burgon (Elmet)What expansion of primary care facilities are (a) under way and (b) planned in the Elmet constituency. [116529]
§ The Minister of State, Department of Health (Jacqui Smith)A significant amount of investment is being undertaken in East Leeds primary care trust—some of it at the Allerton Bywater and Kippax health centres in my hon. Friend's constituency, where new facilities are planned for the coming year. Other PCT investment will improve and expand primary care facilities in the area, and increase the range of services available to local people.
§ Colin BurgonI am glad to learn that, as we speak, work is in progress in my home village of Allerton Bywater. Perhaps my hon. Friend has been furnished with the list including Wetherby and Swillington, whose health centres are also to be improved. Does she agree that, although hospitals may be considered more glamorous, we should never lose sight of the fact that the facilities provided by PCTs, and those who work in them, should be a Government priority when it comes to investment?
§ Jacqui SmithMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. For most of us, PCTs are the front door to the NHS, and it is from them that we and our families receive most services. It is through them that the NHS has an impact on our lives. That is why the extra £1 billion that the Government are investing in primary care over the next three years is so crucial. It will have an impact on my hon. Friend's constituency and on the constituencies of all Members, regardless of whether they voted for the money in the first place.