Clause 36 - Persons performing primary ophthalmic services
Health Bill
5:00 pm
Caroline Flint (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Health), Department of Health; Don Valley, Labour)
I am not sure why that would be the case. For example, once an individual is on the performers list of one of the PCTs in Doncaster, they could practise in any part of England. They are not limited in that respect. All things being equal, this one step covers the whole picture. A situation in which a clinical professional had to sign up on every performers list around the country would be ridiculous.
The difference between the performers list and the contractors list is that the contractors have to contract with each PCT area that they cover. In some cases, PCTs work across two PCT areas—that is a separate issue. However, once a clinical professional is on a performers list—whether with the hon. Gentleman's PCT, with your PCT, Mr. Illsley, or with my PCT—they would be eligible to perform services anywhere in England. I hope that that reassures the hon. Gentleman.