§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many general practitioner fundholders in Bolton(a) are and (b) are not overspent in the current financial year;
(2) how many general practitioner fundholders in Bolton have asked that non-urgent admissions are delayed to Bolton or other hospitals; how many patients are involved; and what is the effect of this on their position on the waiting lists.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThis information is not collected centrally. Regional health authorities are responsible for managing the general practitioner fundholding scheme in their areas.
§ Mr. David YoungTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will ensure that no patient will suffer a lack of drugs or treatment because the fundholder is overspent.
§ Dr. MawhinneyRegional health authorities manage any general practitioner fundholder overspends from within contingency reserves and patient care is unaffected. However, where a GP fundholder overspends because of inadequate budgetary management, the responsible regional health authority will consider the suitability of the practice to remain in the scheme.