§ 15. Mr. TredinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many GP practices are now participating in the fundholding initiative in Trent region; and if she will make a statement.
§ Dr. MawhinneyThere are 159 general practitioner practices in Trent covering 31 per cent. of the population.
§ 27. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence she has received on the effect of the general practitioners fundholding initiative on patient care.
§ Dr. MawhinneyFundholders are leading the way in improving services for patients. Improvements include shorter waiting times, out-patient clinics in general practitioner surgeries, better discharge arrangements and more cost-effective prescribing.