§ Mr. Peter BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what evidence he has assessed since May 1997 concerning the extra resources required to meet the general practice medical needs of people aged 85 years and over. [96326]
§ Mr. HuttonResources relating to patients aged 85 years and over are not examined separately. Resources to General Medical practices are increased, by way of the Standard Capitation fee, for patients aged 75 years and over. Additionally, the 1998 Doctors and Dentists Review Body recommended that an additional £60 million be allocated for the enhancement of general practitioners' net 309W remuneration, particularly targeted on mental health and care of the elderly. The profession and the Department agreed that £5 million be distributed through local development schemes to this end.