HC Deb 01 November 1994 vol 248 cc1076-7W
Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what research she has done into the cost-effectiveness of consultant clinics in fundholding practices.

Mr. Malone

The proposed programme of work for the National Centre for Primary Care Research includes a study of the cost-effectiveness of specialist clinics in general practice.

Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect of general practitioner fundholding on the doctor/patient relationship.

Mr. Malone

General practitioner fundholders are free to use resources directly to improve services and secure the care they judge best for their patients. This can only strengthen the doctor/patient relationship.

Ms Primarolo

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement on the status of fees that consultants receive from general practitioner fundholders.

Mr. Malone

National health service consultants are free to make personal arrangements with any health care purchaser, subject to their contractual arrangements with their NHS employer.