§ 15. Mr. Michael McNair-Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make Dextrostix available through the National Health Service.
§ Dr. VaughanArrangements already exist for consultants to authorise the free supply of Dextrostix through the hospital and specialist services, if they consider it necessary for diabetic patients' sugar levels to be monitored by blood tests rather than urine tests.
§ Mr. McNair-WilsonI welcome what my hon. Friend said. May I press upon him the value of the product in terms of the new electronic gadget which is available for measuring the sugar in blood samples in the bodies of diabetics? Will he make this available as widely as possible to the NHS?
§ Dr. VaughanYes, Sir. We are aware of this matter, and I shall bear in mind my hon. Friend's comments.
§ Mr. BeithIs the Minister sure that consultants realise that in treating diabetics they have a similar freedom in the prescription of disposable syringes where a medical need can be shown? Will he bear in mind particluarly the problems of mothers of young children, to whom they have to give injections, and the greater advantage for them of having a disposable syringe?
§ Dr. VaughanYes, Sir. These are important points, and I shall bear them in mind.