§ Mr. DevaTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence there is that providing better primary care reduces the need for secondary care in the health service.
§ Mr. MaloneIncreasingly, services that used to be provided in hospital are being offered in GP surgeries for example physiotherapy, diabetes and asthma clinics and vasectomies. Relieving the burden on secondary care allows treatment of more serious conditions and reduces waiting lists. This represents real improvements for patients. A 1992 study comparing data from 11 industrialised nations including the United Kingdom found that a primary care led health system was associated with lower costs of care, higher satisfaction of the population with its health services, better health levels and lower medication use.