HC Deb 20 June 1994 vol 245 cc21-2W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy towards the application of the principle of equitable access to NHS services on the basis of need and its implementation in relation to the provision of hospital services to patients of fundholding and non-fundholding general practices.

Dr. Mawhinney

Hospitals may not offer contracts to one purchaser which could disadvantage the patients of another. However, local waiting times for non-urgent treatment may vary according to clinical need and the priorities of different purchasers.

Emergency patients are always treated immediately, and urgent cases treated within locally agreed time scales.