Primary Care Groups

HC Deb 29 February 2000 vol 345 c220W

26. Mr. Bill O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the quality of work and efficiency of primary care groups; and if he will make a statement. [110881]

Mr. Denham

Primary Care Groups (PCGs) are vital components in this Government's plan to improve and modernise the National Health Service. They will ensure that innovative, patient-centred services are delivered to their patients. From April, we expect most PCGs to have taken on responsibility for managing at least 60 per cent. of their population's health service budget. PCGs must have the resources, skills and competencies necessary to deliver on these responsibilities. I have recently written to all health authorities to make clear my expectation that they must develop each PCG to achieve this and support them in meeting the objectives agreed locally to improve healthcare for their patients.