§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when he will publish his consultation document on an accountability framework for fundholding general practitioners; and who will be included on the list of those to be consulted on this framework.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe proposed consultation document on an accountability framework for GP fundholders is due to be issued for consultation within the NHS in Scotland in the near future. Bodies which will be consulted will include GP fundholders, the Scottish general medical services committee of the British Medical Association, Royal College of General Practitioners, health boards, NHS trusts and local health councils.
§ Mr. McAllionTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many general practitioner fundholders in Scotland(a) are to participate and (b) have expressed an interest in participating in pilot studies under the primary care purchasing initiative for the purchase of all health care services; where these fundholders are located; and when the pilot studies will begin.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe following information relates to the proposed pilot studies to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of GP fundholding158W practices which purchase all health care services on behalf of their patients in collaboration with their health board.
To date approximately 30 GP fundholding practices in the following health board areas have expressed interest in participating.
- Ayrshire and Arran
- Forth Valley
- Grampian
- Greater Glasgow
- Highland
- Lanarkshire
- Lothian
- Tayside
Some further expressions of interest from fundholding practices are expected.
It is intended to mount up to six pilot studies in a range of areas but no final decisions have been reached about those practices which will participate. The pilot projects are expected to commence during 1995–96.