Chamber and committees

How would the IJB manage the contracts with independent contractors and those who are directly employed? What are the differences in that management?

My question is for Derek Feeley. In relation to IJBs, will there be a difference between those who are directly employed under the 2C contracts and independent contractors, or will things be done in much the same way?

I am sorry—David Walsh.

Countries with the best-working primary care seem to have better outcomes on health inequality. With GPs being completely overwhelmed, will health inequalities increase and general health decline?

We have heard from Sue Robertson—and indeed from the whole panel—about the difficulties that we have with staffing. Adding race inequality on top of that makes life for BAME staff even worse. What can we do to improve race equality in our NHS?

I was heartened to hear that you have a focus on governance. With that in mind, how will you assess the 10 standards?

In relation to standard 7 in particular, could you explain in more detail the option to have MAT shared with primary care? Does that mean that the patient would be with an organisation, and that would count as primary care, or would they have to be with the GP?

Absolutely, and GPs would look after their patients’ needs—I certainly would—but my question is more specifically about who prescribes the medication. Would increased funding be given to general practice?

Absolutely—this is my last question. What will happen if you do not achieve the target?

I have a number of questions. I will just correct what you said earlier—I am a practising GP, so I am still working.

I have a question about the medication-assisted treatment standards. Standard 7 states:

“all people have the option of MAT shared with Primary Care”.

Can you define “primary care”?