§ Mr. RichardsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures are being taken in Wales to encourage men to take advantage of health screening facilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesArrangements for health-screening measures for men are incorporated in the GP contract. This provides for both opportunistic and systematic screening with the arrangements focusing particularly on coronary heart disease, stroke, diabetes and asthma.
Each participating general practice is required to submit an annual programme of health promotion activities to its family health services authority. These activities must be designed to meet the individual needs of the practice population. The level of payment for the programmes varies according to the extent of activity provided.
There are separate fixed payments per GP for organising a programme of chronic disease management for diabetes or for asthma.
All patients also have a right to a health check by their GP in circumstances where they have not had a consultation with their doctor within the last three years.
In addition, many employers offer regular health screening through their private occupational health schemes.