Mr. Alan WilliamsTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what monitoring takes place of the quality of surgery carried out in general practitioners" surgeries in Wales; how this compares with the monitoring of similar surgical work in hospitals; and if he will make a statement. [5321]
§ Mr. Win GriffithsSince 1 April 1996, GPs providing secondary care services in a primary care setting are required to obtain Health Authority approval to ensure the safe and effective provision of such services. Health Authorities must also satisfy themselves of a GPs competence to undertake and continue to undertake minor surgical procedures, as part of their normal general medical services commitments. Authorities must ensure the strict criteria for admission to their minor surgery list is met prior to agreeing to pay for these services, as with any other provider for whom it has a contract to purchase services.