§ 19. Mr. HoonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost of establishing each general practitioner fundholder; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyEach fundholding practice is entitled to the reimbursement of appropriate expenses incurred in the preparatory year to fundholding. The maximum level of reimbursement is £17,500 for a single practice fund and £20,000 for a grouped practice fund.
§ Ms JowellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans she has to monitor the impact of general practitioner fundholding on community care; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyRegional health authorities are responsible for monitoring the general practitioner fundholding scheme locally. They tell us that, as in other areas, GP fundholders are working with community health staff to improve the quality of care for patients.
§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many of the practices which expressed an interest in 1992–93 in becoming fundholders the following April but did not do so will become fundholders in April 1994;
(2) how many of the general practitioners practices which expressed an interest in 1991–92 in becoming fundholders the following April but did not do so subsequently became fundholding practices in 1993 or will become fundholders in April 1994;
(3) how many general practitioner practices have received the start-up allowance for potential fundholders more than once.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThis information is not available centrally. Regional health authorities manage the general practitioner fundholding scheme and are responsible for admitting practices to the scheme.