Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Howard Stoate (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 23 February 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Topical Questions

Question: To ensure that GPs maintain their clinical skills, they undergo appraisal every year. Starting from next year, of course, that will lead to reaccreditation by the General Medical Council, but unfortunately the NHS appraisals toolkit has gone offline at the critical time in the year when GPs need to get their appraisals sorted out. Will the Minister make a statement to the House on where we are with that website, so GPs can be reassured that their skills will be tested in the right way and in due time?

Answer: It was found that the toolkit had the potential to be compromised. We therefore took the view that it needed to be examined properly and in effect repaired, to ensure that it cannot be accessed by hackers. Work is now ongoing: it is on schedule at the moment, but I will keep GPs and my hon. Friend informed about its progress.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 506 c158
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: General practitioners Performance appraisal Health services Older people
Link: View this Topical question on www.publications.parliament.uk