§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary State for Health how many doctors have been prevented from prescribing to long-term chemically dependent patients by the Interim Orders Committee of the General Medical Council; and how many are awaiting hearings. [157954]
§ Mr. DenhamThere are currently 14 doctors with conditions imposed on their registration by the General Medical Council (GMC) which relate to the drugs which they can prescribe, or which prevent them from treating chemically dependent patients. On 10 April 2001 there were two cases awaiting hearing by the GMC's Interim Orders Committee which involved issues relating to prescribing.
§ Dr. IddonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what alternative procedures he has put in place to provide treatment for long-term chemically dependent patients whose doctor is prevented from prescribing to them by the Interim Orders Committee of the General Medical Council. [157951]
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§ Mr. DenhamIt is the responsibility of health authorities to assess the health care needs of their population, to draw up strategies and commissioning plans in collaboration with local people and other organisations, and to secure a range of health services to meet those needs, with contingency planning and alternative operational procedures where necessary.