Oral Answers to Questions

Phillip Lee Excerpts

Tuesday 27th March 2012 Commons Chamber

[Dr Phillip Lee (Bracknell) (Con)]

6. What the average cost has been of a consultation at an NHS walk-in centre since 2008.

[The Minister of State, Department of Health (Paul Burstow)]

The average cost of an attendance at an NHS walk-in centre was £36 in 2008-09; £42 in 2009-10; and £39 in 2010-11.

[Dr Lee]

I thank the Minister for his detailed answer. Does he agree that in the future new commissioning groups, such as those that will serve my constituency in Bracknell, might choose not to fund walk-in centres—whether ones already established or those in the future—based on clinical justification terms? I, for one, remain to be convinced—indeed, I am far from convinced—of the long-term financial justification for, or clinical benefit of, walk-in centres.

[Paul Burstow]

There is not a nationally mandated programme of walk-in centres; rather, it will be for local commissioners to make decisions based on the evidence and their evaluation, and ensuring that they fulfil their contractual obligations.