HC Deb 04 November 1996 vol 284 cc399-400W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what are his Department's latest estimates of the number of people who have had strokes in each of the latest three years for which figures are available. [1450]

Mr. Horam

Information on the total number of finished consultant episodes with primary diagnosis cerebrovascular disease in national health service hospitals in England is shown in the list:

  • 1992–93: 137,396
  • 1993–94: 145,761
  • 1994–95: 140,413.

Source: Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met the Stroke Association; and what matters were discussed. [1451]

Mr. Horam

The Secretary of State has not met the Stroke Association in the last year.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the research commissioned by his Department on(a) strokes and (b) related illnesses in each of the last three years. [1448]

Mr. Horam

The information requested is in the following list.

  • 1996
  • The influence of developmental indices and blood pressure in young adults on risk of stroke and ischaemic heart disease in later life.
  • Multi-centre trial of out-patient occupational therapy for stroke.
  • A prospective study of cardiovascular risk-conducted within the framework of the British Regional Heart Study (on—going since 1985).
  • 1995
    • A study of discharge from hospital using stroke as a tracer condition (on-going since 1991).
    • Snoring, obstructive sleep and sleep apnoea—stroke.
    • Incidence of aetiology and management of stroke.
    • A detailed investigation of implementation of research-based knowledge by practice nurses in relation to risk factors for CVD and stroke.
    • Does psychological treatment improve the outcome after stroke?
    • Development of a measure of social outcome following a stroke.
    • Stroke Collaborative Review Group: rehabilitation.
    • Treatment of visual neglect after stroke.
    • Validation of the stroke drivers screening assessment for patients with acquired neurological disability.
    • Screening for stroke.
    • A controlled comparison of alternative strategies and stroke rehabilitation.
    • Can the effectiveness of inter-disciplinary team care for stroke be improved?
    • A policy for the drug treatment of high blood pressure.
    • Early prediction of rehabilitation needs following acute stroke.
    • Social. environmental, psychological and physical approaches to stroke rehabilitation.
      • 400
    • 1994
    • The Tees Stroke register.
    • The incidence, natural history resource use and outcome of stroke.
    • The treatment of urinary incontinence in stroke patients.
    • Formulation of guidelines for dental rehabilitation of stroke patients.
    • Development of an early warning discharge policy following acute stroke.
    • Co-ordinated stroke audit and research (COSTAR).
    • Rehabilitation of arm function.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what standards apply to the treatment of strokes; and what steps he is taking to ensure consistency of treatment throughout the United Kingdom. [1452]

Mr. Horam

Clinical standards in the treatment of all diseases are primarily a matter for the relevant professional bodies. Decisions about the best type of treatment to be given in individual cases is for the clinician concerned in consultation with his patient, where this is practicable. The Department's clinical effectiveness programme will help to ensure that all patients have access to services of proven effectiveness, enabling the best use to be made of available resources.

Standards of treatment in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are matters for my right hon. Friends the Secretaries of State for Wales and for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.

Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assistance his Department gives to the Stroke Association. [1449]

Mr. Horam

The Stroke Association has received regular funding from the Department for projects to enhance the provision of stroke and coronary heart disease services in primary care. The most recent grant came to an end in 1995–96.