§ Mr. Alexander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied that the family planning service in hospitals, clinics and from general practitioners is being fairly and evenly applied throughout the United Kingdom.
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§ Dr. OwenGuidance issued by health departments to health authorities in Great Britain in the spring of 1974 set out the Government's plans for the organisation and development of a free comprehensive family planning service through National Health Service clinics, general practice and hospitals. All authorities were asked to pay particular attention to extending clinic facilities to localities which were most poorly served and in greatest need. Authorities in England and Wales were asked to set up family planning working groups to advise on plans for the development of the service in each district.
The full development of these policies depended upon the outcome of discussions with the medical profession. General practitioners started a full free family planning service for women on 1st July this year. In that month agreement was also reached on hospital medical staff, but the extra cost involved has had to be taken into account by health authorities in their overall provision of hospital services in these areas so that, on this aspect of family planning, the situation at present is uneven.
The situation in Northern Ireland is rather different, but I understand that in common with the rest of the United Kingdom the aim of the Department of Health and Social Services is the provision of a free contraceptive service to all, regardless of age, sex or martial status. At present there are 47 centres in Northern Ireland where family planning clinics are held, that is, at hospitals, health centres and other premises throughout the province. In addition, 82 per cent. of the general practitioners undertake to provide free contraceptive services. Health and social services boards in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to develop the provision of family planning services having regard to staff and finance available.
§ Mr. Alexander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she proposes to make provision to remunerate staff, in addition to consultants and doctors, involved in the hospital family planning service.
§ Dr. OwenThe terms of remuneration and conditions of service for non-medical staff, which are determined by336W the Whitley Councils for the National Health Service, already cover work in the hospital family planning services.
§ Mr. Alexander Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost of family planning services in hospitals, clinics and from general practitioners, during the current financial year.
§ Dr. OwenThe cost will depend upon the extent to which men and women come forward to seek advice, treatment and contraceptive supplies from the family planning services now available to them, but it is estimated to be between £20 million and £25 million for England in 1975–76.