§ Mr. Mellorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the report of the joint working group on the primary health care team will be published; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe report of a joint working group under the chairmanship of Dr. Wilfred Harding on the primary health care team has been published today. A copy has been placed in the Library. Copies for hon. Members are available in the Vote Office.
The joint working group was set up jointly by the Standing Medical Advisory Committee and the Standing Nursing and Midwifery Advisory Committee to examine problems associated with primary health care teams in the National Health Service. Its report concludes that the concept of the primary health care team is viable and should be promoted wherever possible in the interest of improved patient care.
The joint working group's report has been endorsed by the two advisory committees. I am grateful to Dr. Harding and his colleagues for their work, and I am arranging for copies of the report to be distributed widely to the relevant authorities and professional organisations for their comments. The Department will be considering those recommendations for which it is responsible.
§ Mr. Mellorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the report of the study group on primary health care in inner London will be published; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Dr. VaughanThe report of a study group under the chairmanship of Professor Donald Acheson on primary health care in inner London has been published today. A copy has been placed in the Library. Copies for hon. Members are available in the Vote Office.
This report not only points out the special problems in London but also shows ways to improve London's health services. Previous reports have said that London has too many acute hospital beds; they should be reduced and the money saved can be used to build up primary care services. I am sure that this is the way to get a better medical service for the people of London, and I am grateful to Professor Acheson and his colleagues for their work.
I am asking all the responsible authorities to consider the report as a basis for action, and I am inviting comments from them and others concerned. The Department will be considering those recommendations for which it is responsible.