§ Mrs. LaingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has for encouraging private sector involvement in the provision of primary care services. [84640]
§ Mr. DenhamSome primary care pilots include a National Health Service trust as a provider of patient services. Otherwise, general medical services and general dental services are provided by independent, self-employed contractors to the NHS. General ophthalmic services and pharmaceutical services are also provided by independent contractors, including single-handed practices, and local and national chains of opticians and chemists.