§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what definition he uses of a reasonable distance when determining access to a GP practice. [124642]
§ Mr. DenhamSubject to local planning decisions, it is for health authorities to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether a surgery meets the reasonable expectations of its users and carers. Travelling distances are an important consideration, but we would expect travelling times, the availability and proximity of public transport and other services (such as National Health Service dispensing) to be taken into account.