NHS: University Health Centres

Lord Foulkes of Cumnock Excerpts

Monday 4th July 2011 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, the characteristics of each GP practice will naturally vary according to the patient population. Although a practice situated on a university campus may have higher numbers of patients who require mental health advice and support, there may well be fewer patients in need of other services. I am not aware that there is a particular issue of underfunding of university practices in relation to the mental health burden. As the noble Baroness will know, the QOF was adjusted in 2008 with a two-year time delay, so university practices have had a chance to adjust and prepare for the change.

[Lord Foulkes of Cumnock]

Are university health centres gearing up to deal with cases of anxiety and depression among students at English universities who wish to go to Scottish universities for a further degree and who find that they will have to pay the full fees, unlike students from other countries in Europe? Is that not a disgraceful, discriminatory proposal by the Scottish Government? Can this Parliament not find a way of outlawing such discrimination?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, I congratulate the noble Lord for introducing this vexed topic into a health Question. It would be improper for me to comment on the deliberations of the Scottish Parliament.