§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure elective work is not deferred until a new financial year if provider units overspend.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 17 February 1993]: Health boards and NHS trusts are required to ensure that patients are treated within the time scales referred to in the patients charter. Providers are required to deliver the contracted level of care from within their contract income. Where this is at risk they should advise their purchasers. The Department is not aware of any significant overspends which could lead to elective work being deferred until the next financial year.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice he is giving to hospitals which find they have treated more patients than the number specified in their contracts.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 17 February 1993]: National health service trusts and health boards' directly managed units have been advised to work closely with their purchasers and to share information on activity levels in year. Providers must recognise the need for health boards to manage their resources within their cash limits. Early warning to purchasers of projected variances will provide opportunities to redeploy funds to ensure that patient care is delivered in line with local health strategies.