§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to launch a dedicated national service framework for sexual health; and if he will make a statement. [123452]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 3 July 2003]: The report on sexual health published by the Health Select Committee on 11 June recommended that a national service framework for sexual health be developed. We are currently considering all of the recommendations in this report and the Government will publish a full response in due course.
§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that access to high-quality sexual health services and drugs is(a) made a priority and (b) resourced as part of the new general practitioner's contract. [123453]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 3 July 2003]: General practice plays a crucial role in the delivery of sexual health services. The new general medical services contract includes a new patient services guarantee to ensure patients have full access to all the range of services they currently enjoy, backed-up by a gross investment guarantee that will see investment in primary care increase by one-third by 2005–06.
Patients will therefore not only continue to obtain contraceptive services and screening for sexually transmitted infections where appropriate, but primary care trusts will also be able to commission more specialised sexual health services that deliver services in line with the national strategy for sexual health and HIV.