HC Deb 22 March 1994 vol 240 cc121-2
4. Ms Eagle

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps she has taken to monitor the quality and availability of incontinence services at a local level; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Bowis

Continence services have been designated a priority for national health service planning for the coming year. The Government have funded a national helpline for incontinence sufferers, and have held a national continence week to publicise its availability.

Ms Eagle

Will the Minister admit that, despite the £100,000 that has been spent on publicising continence week, a recent survey showed that nearly 50 per cent. of health authorities find that they must ration the supply of incontinence services to stay within their budgetary limits? Will he take this opportunity to condemn that rationing—which forces sufferers to pay for any extra materials that they may require—and to assure the House that health authorities will provide sufferers with all the materials that they need to manage their condition?

Mr. Bowis

No, I do not accept the emotive term "rationing". Of course I accept that GPs and incontinence advisers have to assess the individual's needs—every individual is different in this respect—and decide how to meet them. We have heard a very sad and negative story from the Labour party on this issue; the Government are trying to overcome the shame, pain, sorrow and embarrassment of sufferers, whereas the Labour party merely picks holes in what is being done. It is a tremendous battle to try to encourage people who could be cured to come forward. One has only to consider the hon. Lady's health authority to see the tremendous provision that is ready and waiting for sufferers if they would only take the first step.

Mr. Ieuan Wyn Jones

Does the Minister accept that hon. Members of all parties are receiving complaints that health authorities are not providing free incontinence pads to residents of residential homes, which is causing great distress? Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what guidelines the Government are issuing to health authorities so that the problems can be overcome?

Mr. Bowis

I certainly can. As the hon. Gentleman knows, incontinence pads are available free through the district nursing service. We have issued guidelines under which anyone in a residential care home should be treated in exactly the same way as someone living in his own home and the service should be free.