§ Dr. MurrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer to the hon. Member for Vale of York (Miss McIntosh) of 25 March 2004,Official Report, column 1050W, on general practitioners, what assessment his Department has made in (a) money and (b) manpower terms of the potential impact of the new GP contract on ambulance services providing out-of-hours cover. [178176]
§ Mr. HuttonNo central assessment has been made; however, the new contract provides the opportunity for primary care trusts to commission and resource out-of-hours services together with ambulance services, to provide integrated unscheduled care. This should ensure that patients receive easy access to the treatment they need and that the most effective and appropriate use is made of ambulance services.