§ Mr. MacShaneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what rights community health councils have to make representations on the medical care decisions taken by general practitioners involved in total fundholding; [17958]
(2) what obligations are placed on general practitioners involved in total fundholding to consult with representatives of patients to identify community needs for medical care. [17957]
§ Mr. MaloneTotal purchasing pilot projects operate under devolved purchasing arrangements from health authorities. In the same way as health authorities, they are required to consult community health councils about significant service changes. Similarly, in accordance with the priorities and planning guidance for the NHS and the accountability framework for general practitioner fundholding, total purchasing projects are expected to involve patients in the planning and development of services. Copies of the guidance are available in the Library.