§ Ms PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what analysis she has made of the cost benefit of the national health service reforms.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThe benefits of the national health service reforms are tangible: more patients are now being treated than ever before; people are waiting shorter times for treatment; general practitioner fund holders are able to back their clinical judgment and local knowledge with national health service funds to the benefit of all patients; increased numbers of people are being treated as day cases without the need for a stay in hospital. These are some of the real and important benefits flowing from the reforms —which clearly illustrate we have achieved our main aims: improvements to the quality of care; responsiveness to individuals and value for money.