MP challenges Secretary of State for Health

12.00.00am GMT Wed 19th Mar 2008

Annette Brooke, MP for Mid Dorset & North Poole has been contacted by dozens of GP's in her constituency and was able to raise some of their concerns in Health Questions on Tuesday 18th March.

Annette Brooke MP asked the Secretary of State for Health Alan Johnson what representations he had received from GP's on extended opening hours, to which he replied:

'I have received representations from GPs and the British Medical Association, as well as from patients and patient groups. I am pleased that the BMA has agreed new arrangements for GP practices to be open in the evenings and at weekends. The new arrangements will benefit patients, the NHS and GPs.'

She further questioned whether the Government had any plans to force GPs to open for a set number of hours and if he agreed that forcing them to open for extended hours in the evening when there is no demonstrable need would have a knock-on impact on the general quality of primary care services, to which he replied:

'The answers are no and yes: no, we will not force any GPs to open longer; and yes, there would be an adverse effect if we were to do what the hon. Lady suggests. Our negotiations with the BMA were based on getting GPs to open for an extra half an hour for every 1,000 patients on their books, which would mean that an average-sized practice would be open for an extra three hours a week. A much smaller practice would not be open for so many extra hours, while a much bigger one would be open for more. Our formula takes into account the fact that in many areas-rural areas, for instance-there is no need or demand for GPs to be open longer.

In the ballot that was held, 92 per cent. of GPs who voted accepted a system that will not force them to do anything that they do not wish to do. However, the system will ensure that the taxpayer's money that is there to incentivise GPs will, among other things, give them an incentive to open for longer. That is what the patients in the vast majority of our communities want.'

Annette Brooke MP says:

'I want the best possible services for my constituents. It is clear that some GP surgeries need to open extra hours whilst some do not. There appears to be a financial disincentive to not open extra hours and many of my constituents remain concerned that the quality they will be offered is being diminished'