BRITISH MEDICAL ASSOCIATION REPORT ON RURAL HEALTH

Early day motion 556, tabled 19 January 2005 by David Kidney (Labour). Signed by 41 members.

That this House welcomes the publication of the British Medical Association's report into rural health and supports its finding that many health policies developed for urban areas do not work in rural areas; notes that transport to health services premises needs to be improved in rural and remote communities and must be integrated in any health service planning for these areas; believes that innovative healthcare services must be provided to allow patients to reach those services and have a choice about the facilities that they use; encourages the expansion of the use of telemedicine; further believes that all medical students should have the opportunity to choose a rural placement; and therefore calls upon the Government to take action on these recommendations.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Liberal Democrat 14, Labour/Co-operative 4, Conservative 2, DUP 2, UUP 2, Independent 1, Plaid Cymru 1.