Written question asked by Andrew Murrison (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 June 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 1 September 2004. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Wednesday, 1 September 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, pursuant to the Answer of 25th March 2004,to the honourable Member for Vale of York, Official Report, 419 c1050W, 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.

Answer: Dr. Murrison: To 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. Hutton: No 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.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 178176; 424 c895W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Ambulance services Emergencies General practitioners Working hours
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk