§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by what authority the salaries of practice managers in general practitioner fundholding are paid. [18914]
§ Mr. MaloneGeneral practitioners are independent self-employed contractors to the national health service and, as employers, are responsible for the salaries of their staff, including practice managers.
§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the number of fundholding practices whose patients are currently not being admitted to hospital for elective surgery because the practices have reached their financial limits; and if she will make a statement. [18257]
§ Mr. MaloneAll national health service purchasers—district health authorities and fundholding general practitioners—are responsible for managing resources, to best meet the health needs of patients. Within this, all emergency cases are seen immediately, urgent cases are placed on a common waiting list and for non-urgent cases, national or local patients charter standards apply.