HC Deb 03 April 1996 vol 275 c245W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what measures he is taking to extend the provision of health services closer to patients in rural areas; and if he will make a statement. [23525]

Mr. Richards

One of the commitments made in "Caring for the Future"—the NHS Wales plan for improving quality—is to increase safe and effective care closer to people's homes. I would expect health authorities, GP fundholders and NHS trusts to take this into account when determining what health services are provided to patients in rural areas.

Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales in what circumstances doctors are permitted to dispense prescriptions to patients living in rural areas; and if he will make a statement. [23524]

Mr. Richards

Doctors may be permitted to dispense drugs and appliances to patients who satisfy their health authority that they reside in a controlled locality more than one mile from the nearest pharmacy, or would for other reasons have serious difficulty in reaching a pharmacy.