HC Deb 24 March 1998 vol 309 c131W
21. Mr. Randall

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the progress of the review of London's health service. [34389]

Mr. Milburn

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced the findings of the independent review panel, led by Sir Leslie Turnberg, and the Government's response, on 3 February 1998,Official Report, columns 843–58. We have accepted all the review panel's recommendations. This marks the beginning of a ten-year programme of modernisation for health services in London, which will deliver tangible benefits to patients, year by year.

Mr. Gapes

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action the Government are taking to raise standards in primary care in London. [34391]

Mr. Milburn

We have accepted the recommendation of the independent review panel, led by Sir Leslie Turnberg, that there should be systematic progress in developing primary care in London. This will form part of a ten-year programme of modernisation for London's health services which will deliver tangible benefits for patients, year by year.

The starting point for making improvements is the White Paper, "The New NHS" and the vision it sets out for primary care development, organisation and management.