Written question asked by Stephen Ladyman (Labour) on Tuesday, 9 February 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 22 February 2010. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Monday, 22 February 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Urology: Health Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment has been made of the effects on levels of competition in the urology industry of the development of local primary care trust tenders for the provision of urology products and services; and if he will make a statement;

Answer: Any decisions to undertake local procurement activity rests with the national health service organisations that initiate them.Following the review of the supply of certain appliances for primary care, as listed in part IX of the Drug Tariff, new arrangements were announced in April 2009 and the relevant amendment regulations were laid on 22 December 2009. These are accompanied by directions to provide for new advanced services. There will also be changes to the Drug Tariff from 1 April 2010 to take account of associated new fees and allowances and a reduction of reimbursement prices for some appliances.The Department is in ongoing dialogue with industry, industry trade federations, collaborative procurement hubs and primary care trusts (PCTs) over the use of local tenders and product formularies for products and services covered by part IX of the Drug Tariff. The aim of this dialogue is to agree clear guidance for PCTs on this matter.The Department is not aware of any ongoing local tenders for part IX products. Any local procurement or tenders do not override the clinical judgment of the GP, who is still free to prescribe products listed in part IX of the Drug Tariff to meet the specific needs of patients.

Secondary information