To ask the Secretary of State for Health how primary care trusts are providing childhood immunisation services for families in areas where GPs have opted out of providing them; and if she will make a statement. (72769)

If a general practitioner (GP) opts out, then 1 per cent. is removed from the GPs global sum payment. This allows the primary care trust (PCT) to re-provide with another contractor or self-provide.

If a PCT were to re-provide, it would need to specify the performance management of those services. The PCT would be held to account for their performance, through their commissioning arrangements with service providers, by the strategic health authority.

In addition, PCTs could commission a separate local enhanced service, defining the population to be served and routes to achieve uptake.

Supporting local innovation in designing their services, or strengthening existing successes, is a priority for the Department.