Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government why the procurement process operated by NHS England in relation to general practitioner practices allows for references in respect of the bidders to be taken up rather than allowing for a review of their track record.

NHS England is responsible for procurement in relation to general practitioner practices, as holders of the contract for General Practice. When procuring these services, NHS England must work within the Procurement, Patient Choice and Competition Regulations 2013, and make sure that they take fair and transparent decisions on the best provider to deliver those services for National Health Service patients.

The factors used to evaluate bids, in each procurement process, including the consideration of references and track records, are determined on a case-by-case basis.