§ Mr. Andrew TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health by what mechanism the formula for the allocation of resources between health authorities takes account of(a) transient populations and (b) numbers of tourists. [2694]
§ Mr. HuttonThe formula for setting health authority resource allocation targets is based primarily on resident population. The resident populations are then adjusted to take account of patients registered with general practitioners outside their health authority of residence. These adjusted resident populations are referred to as health authority relevant populations. These exclude transient populations and tourists.
The prescribing component of the formula takes account of temporary residents who register with GPs in addition to relevant populations.
Funding for secondary healthcare for tourists and transient populations that falls outside service agreements is transferred between health authorities through the out-of-area treatment arrangements.