Written question asked by Sandra Gidley (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 14 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 20 November 2003. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Thursday, 20 November 2003 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what plans he has to ensure that access to high-quality sexual health services is (a) made a priority and (b) resourced as part of the new general practitioner contract; what steps he is taking to ensure that general practitioners will meet the Level 1 and 2 service provision set out in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV as part of the new general practitioner contract. - Inc ref to "The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV". (Holding answer 18 November 2003).

Answer: Sandra Gidley: To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to ensure that access to high-quality sexual health services is (a) made a priority and (b) resourced as part of the new general practitioner contract; [139467] (2) what steps he is taking to ensure that general practitioners will meet the Level 1 and 2 service provision set out in the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV as part of the new general practitioner contract. [139468] Miss Melanie Johnson: [holding answer 18 November 2003]: "The National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV" set out an increasing role for primary care services, recognising that general practice plays a crucial role in the delivery of sexual health services. The new general medical services contract includes a new patient services guarantee to ensure patients have access to at least the range of services they currently enjoy, with a guarantee that will see investment in primary care increase by one-third by 2005-06. All practices will provide essential services. Contraceptive services will be delivered as an additional service which practices have a preferential right to provide, and will normally do so. Patients will not only continue to receive a family planning service, including screening for sexually transmitted infections where necessary, but primary care trusts will also be able to commission more specialised sexual health services that conform with the National Strategy for Sexual Health and HIV.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 413 c1383W;413 c1379W; 139467;139468
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Conditions of employment Contracts General practitioners Patients Standards Sexual and reproductive health
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk