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HoC Answers - 12.01.10
Extended Hours
Mr. Mike O'Brien (Minister of State for Health Services): My hon. Friend is right to say that we need to do more to ensure that extended hours are offered. We intend to give patients a right to register with a practice of their choice-perhaps one that offers extended hours. Furthermore, neighbouring doctors can apply to be paid for seeing patients of practices that do not offer extended hours. The Government's extended hours policy has been an increasing success-but of course if the Tories are elected, they will get rid of it.
Mr. David Evennett (Bexley & Crayford, Conservative): This is an issue of great concern to my constituents. I note the Minister's response to the previous question, but is he confident that the full range of GP services, such as pharmacies and access to a nurse, are available during weekend and extended hours in south-east London?
Mr. Mike O'Brien: We are increasingly moving towards getting a larger range of services, particularly for GPs. Levels of nursing and pharmacy services vary between practices, but we want to ensure that we increase the number. However, when the hon. Gentleman stands on his party's manifesto, he will have to recognise that his party would get rid of those requirements: that appears to be its announced policy.
Posted 13 January 2010