HC Deb 26 February 2002 vol 380 cc1091-2W
Tim Loughton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health in calculating the ratio of GPs to local populations for qualification to the golden hello scheme, at what dates the relevant figures for GPs and patients in Worthing were taken. [37616]

Mr. Hutton

In 2001–02, all newly appointed general practitioners receive a golden hello payment of up to £5,000. If the GP is appointed in an under-doctored primary care group/trust, the GP will receive a further payment of up to £5,000.

The GP and patient figures used to determine qualification for golden hello payments for 2001–02 are as follows: GPs are the estimated whole time equivalent unrestricted principals and equivalents taken from the GP census of September 2000. PCG/T population data are the GP relevant PCG/T populations taken from the GP registrations system in April 2000. These figures have been reconciled to ONS projections of health authority populations to adjust for list inflation. PCGITs have then been ranked by whole time equivalent UPEs per 100,000 weighted population and the bottom 50 per cent. qualify for the additional payment.