Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Rosie Cooper (Labour). It was answered by James Plaskitt (Labour) on Monday, 12 March 2007 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Department/GP Communications

Question: If he will make a statement on steps being taken to modernise communication methods between his Department and GP surgeries.

Answer: We are aware of the critical importance of the role of GPs in shaping customers’ perceptions about their ability to return to work, and we are piloting the use of employment advisers in GP surgeries to give patients advice about the work-related support and to offer them non-medical help to achieve their work aspirations. To assist GPs, we also have two projects testing the electronic transmission of data between GPs and our Department via a secure link. We are also developing educational and training packages in conjunction with the Royal College.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 458 c17; 126373
Session: 2006-07
Oral question type: Lead
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Disability Advisory services Department for Work and Pensions Communication Employment Employment schemes General practitioners Patients Primary care Rehabilitation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk