§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what are his definitions of(a) top quality primary care. (b) top quality continuing care, (c) top quality mental health and (d) an excellent information system; and if he will list examples of (a), (b) and (c). [6742]
(2) pursuant to his oral statement of 20 June, Official Report, column 544–45, if he will define in (a) quantitative and (b) qualitative terms (i) top quality primary care. (ii) top quality continuing care and (iii) top quality mental health services. [6806]
§ Mr. MilburnThe Government believe that top quality health care is characterised by: fairness—with access to services based on need rather than ability to pay,
430W1997. Fifty-three of these animals were first identified as BSE suspects in 1996 but not confirmed by laboratory analysis until 1997.
geographical location or registration with a particular general practitioner; efficiency—health care that makes the best use of tax payers money; effectiveness—health care that focuses on quality of treatment rather than quantity alone; and responsiveness—health care that is sensitive and understanding of patients needs and concerns.
Information systems should provide the information that the health service needs to plan and deliver appropriate services and that patients and the public need to be assured that they are receiving good quality cost effective care.
§ Mr. JackTo ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to his oral statement of 20 June.Official Report, Columns 544–45, what methods of measurement his inquiry panel will use to determine if a medical service is top quality. [6807]
§ Mr. MilburnThe independent Advisory Panel will decide the method it will use to assess services, within the terms of reference it has been given.