NHS: University Health Centres

Baroness Jolly Excerpts

Monday 4th July 2011 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, there is no doubt that the QOF had many beneficial effects when it first began, and we recognise those. However, there is a general feeling that it needs to evolve and refocus itself more on those things for which it was originally intended, which were to promote quality and better outcomes in patient care.

[Baroness Jolly]

My Lords, student health does not quite fit the national pattern. Who is currently responsible for public health campaigns within the student body and, with the advent of clinical commissioning groups, is their future assured?

[Earl Howe]

I am not sure whether my noble friend is asking me whether university practices are assured under clinical commissioning groups or whether those public health efforts are assured.

[Baroness Jolly]

I am asking about the public health campaigns.

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, my noble friend will know that public health campaigns and health improvement efforts are currently being commissioned and directed by primary care trusts. That will continue until such time as local authorities take responsibility locally for the public health endeavour.