§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what quality indications are used by GP fundholders in determining the hospitals at which they will place contracts for their patients.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe quality measures used to inform the contracting process are a matter for individual GP fundholders. They will include patients charter standards, the quality of clinical care and patient satisfaction.
§ Mr. Gareth WardellTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will place in the Library the details of the circumstances in which GP fund holders cannot refer a patient extra-contractually without the permission of his Department.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe guidance covering extra-contractual referrals from GP fundholders, for non-fundholding procedures, is the same as that for non-fundholder GPs. The Department is involved where GPs wish to refer patients abroad. All other extra-contractual referrals are subject to health authority procedures, and are not affected by fundholding status.