§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will bring forward proposals for the provision of primary health care teams focused around general practitioners' practices in which the co-ordinating role is assumed by a named person and to provide that the 525W co-ordinator receives training in local information and co-ordination skills and is committed to ensuring that all residents have access to the health services they need; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyWe welcome the report of the task force chaired by the chief nursing officer—"New World New Opportunities"—which highlights the issues and ways forward for primary health care teams. Within those teams there has been a large increase in numbers of practice staff in recent years—an increase of 74 per cent. between 1989 and 1992—and their organisation should suit local health needs. The task force's report is being widely circulated within the health service and we hope that it serves as a stimulus to action for purchasers and providers of services in the light of their assessment of local circumstances.