HC Deb 08 June 1999 vol 332 cc271-2W
23. Mr. Mullin

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the number of general practitioners in Sunderland; and if he will make a statement. [85020]

Mr. Denham

The Government have introduced a number of national policy measures to improve the recruitment of general practitioners, which Sunderland Health Authority has been implementing locally. The Health Authority introduced a Career Start Scheme and has successfully recruited four salaried GPs. The Priority Healthcare Wearside NHS Trust, Sunderland Health Authority, the University of Sunderland and the City of Sunderland Council have developed proposals for a second-wave personal medical services pilot.