To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2007, Official Report, column 600W, on general practitioners, how many of the 100 new practices will be delivered in each of the primary care trusts identified. (169878)

The Department continues to discuss with the national health service how many practices will be established in each of the 38 primary care trusts (PCTs) identified as having the poorest provision. A final decision will be made in January 2008 following completion of PCT delivery plans.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2007, Official Report, column 600W, on general practitioners, by what date he expects the discussions on timescales to be completed. (169879)

Primary care trusts are currently developing their timescales as part of their local delivery plans which are expected to be completed by January 2008.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2007, Official Report, column 600W, on general practitioners, what guidance he has issued to primary care trusts to ensure that they procure innovative solutions and models of provision that will contribute to improvements in access and outcomes for patients. (169880)

The Department will shortly be publishing a procurement framework which will contain practical tools and guidance that primary care trusts (PCTs) will need to manage local procurements. The framework will explain how PCTs should work with clinicians and patients locally to develop service specifications that reflect local need and maximise innovation, including, for health centres, the extent to which they co-locate and integrate with other services, for example pharmacy, diagnostics and social care.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what indicators his Department used to determine comparative levels of GP provision in primary care trusts. (169956)

The indicators that have been used to determine the 25 per cent. of primary care trusts with poorest provision are listed as follows and reflect the criteria identified in ‘Our NHS, Our Future’, i.e. fewest primary care clinicians, poorest health outcomes and lowest patient satisfaction.

Primary care clinicians

Whole time equivalents (wte) general practitioners (GPs) per 100,000 weighted population; and wte practice nurses per 100,000 weighted population.

Health outcomes

male life expectancy;

female life expectancy;

cancer mortality among under 75s;

cardiovascular mortality among under 75s;

index of multiple deprivation (health);

percentage of patients with diabetes in whose glycated haemoglobin is 7.5 mg or less;

percentage of patients with hypertension in whose blood pressure reading is 150/90 or less.

Patient satisfaction

percentage of patients seen within 48 hours;

percentage of patients able to book an appointment more than 2 days ahead;

percentage of patients satisfied with their practice telephone system;

percentage of patients able to see a specific GP; and

percentage of patients satisfied with practice opening hours.