HC Deb 24 July 2002 vol 389 cc1394-5W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what his latest calculations are for the GP: patient ratio in(a) Worthing and (b) each PCT in Sussex; [71088]

(2) what funds have been committed to improving access to primary care in Worthing since 1997; and what improvements have taken place. [71086]

(3) what monitoring is in place to make sure that funds earmarked for improving access to primary care in West Sussex are used for that purpose. [71152]

(4) what discussions he has had with the Adur, Arun and Worthing PCT about improving access to primary care in Worthing. [71087]

(5) What assessment he has made of routine appointment wait times at Worthing general practice surgeries. [71151]

Ms Blears

[holding answer 18 July 2002]: Information on the ratios of general practitioners (GPs) to patients is held at primary care trust (PCT) level but I am advised by the PCTs that this varies around the Surrey and Sussex Health Authority area, from 1,782 patients per GP in Bexhill and Rother PCT to 2,050 in Crawley PCT. In Worthing I am informed that the ratio is 1,885. I recognise that local GPs are under pressure and this concern is shared by Adur, Arun and Worthing PCT, which has advised me that it is concerned about the level of access to GP services in some practices. The PCT is actively working to improve the situation though a number of actions including effective use of incentive schemes.

As part of the Department's commitment to improving access to primary care nationally, we have increased the PCT primary care access fund by £83.5 million to £168 million, with at least £48 million dedicated in 2002–03 to improving access in primary care and implementing advanced access. Significant funding has also been made available to enhance primary care services in Worthing. The former Worthing Primary Care Group invested £235,000 in 1999–2000 rising to £691,000 in 2001–02. The provision of additional funding has made it possible to improve access to a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services, as well as providing improved audit and clinical effectiveness. Adur, Arun and Worthing PCT monitors the use of all funds allocated to practices by practice and by use. The PCT will be included in the Audit Commission's national study to review use of all earmarked funds including primary care access monies.

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not had any meetings with representatives from Adur, Arun and Worthing PCT to discuss access issues. I visited Worthing in August 2001 to meet representatives from local GP practices and we discussed local issues in the course of that meeting.