HC Deb 15 February 1995 vol 254 c651W
Mr. Elletson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make a statement about the results of GP fundholding in(a) the Fylde coast area and (b) Lancashire.

Mr. Malone

Fundholding general practitioners are at the leading edge of purchasing developments and are at the forefront of quality improvements for patients, including the creation of outreach clinics for such services as diabetes, physiotherapy, ophthalmology and vasectomy. The improvements made by general practitioner fundholders often have the effect of improving the quality of care for all patients.

Information on specific localities is not available centrally. For information about Lancashire, the hon. Member should write to Sir Donald Wilson, the chairman of the North West regional health authority.