§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in enabling GPs to refer patients to the hospital or specialist of their choice. [153479]
§ Mr. DenhamRegional specialised commissioning groups comprised of representatives from health authorities, National Health Service acute trusts and regional offices and increasingly primary care trusts meet quarterly and ensure the effective commissioning of specialised services for particular locales. NHS trusts and health authorities draw up service agreements covering specific specialised services. This systematic approach facilitates equitable access to clinically effective, first class services.
Primary care trusts and health authorities are free to set up service level agreements with any secondary care provider of their choice based on discussion at local level and which they believe provides the most appropriate services.