§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures he is proposing to ensure that all primary care resources allocated to PCTs are passed to front line patient care providers. [117413]
§ Mr. HuttonIf the new general medical services contract is accepted by the profession, expenditure on primary care will increase from —5 billion in 2002–03 to —6.8 billion in 2005–06. There will be a Gross Investment Guarantee that these resources will be delivered. To ensure delivery, the pricing of the contract could be adjusted.
75WA joint Health Departments and British Medical Association technical steering committee will monitor the level of investment. This monitoring will include investment in enhanced services, which will also be performance managed by strategic health authorities.