Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Peter Bottomley and Simon Burns

Tuesday 26th April 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mr Burns]

It was, of course, the hon. Gentleman’s Government who did so much to undermine the provision of out-of-hours services. We propose not only to review the existing framework, but to ensure that there are the real improvements that benefit patient care, which are so badly needed.

[Sir Peter Bottomley (Worthing West) (Con)]

Will my right hon. Friend ensure that there are no artificial constraints so that GPs, even though they may be commissioners, can ensure that they provide out-of-hours services in combination with clinics and ambulance services?

[Mr Burns]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that important issue. I assure him that there are mechanisms in the Health and Social Care Bill to provide protection so that there are not the problems that he anticipates.