Primary Care Groups

HC Deb 17 November 1998 vol 319 cc564-5W

Mr. Todd

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued on how pharmacists should be represented in primary care groups. [60191]

Mr. Milburn

Primary Care Groups will need to draw upon all the experience and expertise of their stakeholders to develop and implement local policies. Pharmacists are recognised as important stakeholders in the community.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his answer of 9 November 1998,Official Report, columns 87-88, concerning Primary Care groups, if he will set out the ways in which elected members of local authorities will have an enhanced opportunity to influence the development and implementation of health care arrangements. [60298]

Mr. Milburn

The local strategy for improving health and healthcare will be set through the Health Improvement Programme (HImP). The development of the HImP will be led by the health authority in partnership with the local National Health Service, relevant local authorities and the wider local community. This offers the opportunity for the local community and its leaders e. g., local Councillors, to influence the strategy. This approach will be underpinned, subject to Parliamentary approval, by new statutory duties of partnership between NHS bodies and local authorities to promote the health and wellbeing of their local populations.