§ 21. Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress in the establishment of primary care groups. [62464]
§ 30. Mr. BurdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the development of primary care groups. [62473]
§ Mr. MilburnWe are well on target to establishing Primary Care Groups by 1 April 1999. There are now 481 shadow Primary Care Groups in place. The Autumn guidance, Health Service Circular 1998/228 and guidance on governance, Health Service Circular 1998/229 were published on 8 December. Copies are available in the Library. These are the latest in a rolling programme of guidance.
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§ 22. Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will relax the restrictions on health authorities in inner city areas in relation to the development of primary care premises. [62465]
§ Mr. MilburnSince coming into Government, we have introduced a number of new flexibilities to support our aim of improving primary care premises. We will consider whether other flexibilities might be helpful and provide value for money in achieving this aim.
§ 32. Mr. DarvillTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the progress towards implementation of the nine specific recommendations on primary care set out in the strategic review of London health services conducted by the independent advisory panel chaired by Professor Sir Leslie Turnberg. [62475]
§ Mr. MilburnThe implementation of the recommendations in the Turnberg report, on primary care and on other matters, is being taken forward by the NHS Executive in conjunction with local National Health Service organisations. Good progress is being made. The new NHS Executive regional office for London will be established on 1 January 1999 as the strategic health body for London in response to the London review. The regional office will produce a report on implementation which will be published in the new year.