§ Mr. HansonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is her policy regarding the free provision of nebulisers for use by patients in need.
§ Dr. MawhinneyHealth authorities must provide free of charge any equipment which, taking account of resources, needs and clinical priorities locally, they decide to provide as part of a national health service treatment programme. This applies whether the equipment is supplied permanently or on loan, and includes subsequent maintenance costs as well as initial supply. Hand-operated nebulisers may be prescribed by general practitioners and are free of charge to patients exempt from prescription charges.
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