Clause 38 - Local Optical Committees
Health Bill
5:30 pm
Caroline Flint (Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Health), Department of Health; Don Valley, Labour)
There is not much that I can add to what I said earlier, which is that the committee would mirror similar committees that are provided for other local services, in that it would form a body of people whom the PCT could consult on a range of issues. As I suggested, those issues could include cases where the PCT wants support in helping providers in different ways. That was covered by an earlier clause. The issues could be about the particular eye health needs of the community, and about sharing information about the changes happening locally with providers and performers.
As I have said, a review is ongoing, and that review addresses what secondary care could be provided in a primary care setting. I imagine that PCTs, in putting their views across to Government, may want to discuss that with others in future. I am sure that that debate will develop over time. I hope that that gives the hon. Gentleman some idea of what we are talking about, but obviously it is difficult to just pull out a list. The committees will not just receive information, I hasten to add; they will be a vehicle for their members to share their expertise, experience and knowledge with the PCT. That will ensure that the sight testing policy, which is centrally funded, and for which the PCT is reimbursed, is working properly. Also, the committees will form part of a discussion about enhanced services.
I do not have the figures for the cost at the moment, but I expect that it will be very low. We are talking about the expenses of the committee, of hiring rooms for meetings and, my officials suggest, of tea and biscuits—we had better knock that off, because that is not very necessary. Is it healthy? Perhaps we should say a plate of fruit instead. We are not talking about a tier of administrative support. The committee is an identified body that can act as a formal sounding board that the PCT can engage in discussion, so that it feels that it has a greater understanding of what is happening in the local area in terms of health needs and other issues. I hope that that reassures the hon. Gentleman.
Question put and agreed to.
Clause 38, as amended, ordered to stand part of the Bill.