§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the liaison which exists between local authorities and area health authorities regarding services for individuals who suffer from incontinence; if he is satisfied with the advice given to the families of incontinent persons by area health authorities and local authorities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsHealth and local authorities in Wales are well aware of the need for full collaboration in relation to services for people who suffer from incontinence. Arrangements for these services are best left to be decided locally.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the number of persons suffering from incontinence in Wales; if he will publish the advice given by his Department to area health authorities and local authorities on this subject; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsThere is no information available centrally on the numbers of persons in Wales suffering from incontinence. The Welsh Nursing and Midwifery Committee, with the support of the Welsh Office, has published a paper on "The Management of Incontinence" for wide circulation.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many men and women in Wales suffer from incontinence in the age ranges 18 to 30, 30 to 50, 50 to 60, 60 to 75 years and those over 75 years of age; how many children suffer from incontinence; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Michael RobertsThe number of men, women and children in Wales suffering from incontinence is not known.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take action to improve the facilities, training and services available to assist the incontinent to remain in their homes and to lead fully integrated lives in the community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsWe are satisfied that within the resources available health authorities and local authorities are providing what support they can for incontinent people living at home.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of state for Wales if he will publicise self-help schemes, advisory leaflets and facilities and equipment designed to assist the incontinent and their families; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsIndividuals may seek advice on the management of incontinence from their general practitioner, district nurse or health visitor. The Health Education Council distributes an advisory, leaflet on the subject of incontinence and other organisations also provide helpful information.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will sponsor and encourage the Disabled Living Foundation and other voluntary organisations in publicity campaigns, teach-ins, etc., regarding the care of the incontinent in the community; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsThe Welsh Office grant-aids the Wales Council for the Disabled which gives advice on the care of incontinent persons.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the extent of medical and technology research being carried out in the prevention and nursing of the difficulties caused by incontinence; if he will list the centres where such research is carried out by his Department; if he will indicate the sums of money involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Michael RobertsThe Welsh Office participates in a joint programme of research with the Department of Health and Social Security, which includes projects in the field of incontinence.
445WThe Welsh Office has also commissioned a research project at a cost of some £1,400 into the sanitary cleansing of incontinent patients at two South Glamorgan hospitals. A report on this study has recently been received.