§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy regarding the employment by group medical practices of practice nurses; and what is his policy regarding reimbursement of the costs generated (a) when community nurses are available and (b) when such nurses are not available.
§ Mr. HayhoeGeneral medical practitioners, as self-employed contractors, may employ nurses in their practices whether or not health authority community nurses are available. Under their contract with the National Health Service, general medical practitioners are reimbursed expenses incurred in providing general medical services. Seventy per cent of the salaries of certain staff, including practice nurses, are reimbursed direct to doctors employing them and the remainder is reimbursed indirectly, on an average basis, through the provision made for practice expenses in fees and allowances.