§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent discussions he has had with(a) the royal colleges and (b) other health bodies regarding the appropriate treatment of the elderly ill. [13303]
§ Mr. BurnsThe White Paper "The NHS: A Service with Ambitions" clearly states
Older people are the major users of health services, and all services need to take account of their particular needs. Primary care is the focus of care delivery and care co-ordination. The extended primary health care team, including therapists and community pharmacists, working with local social services teams, should ensure timely assessment and diagnosis, and access to appropriate services.We have had a number of discussion with the royal colleges and other health bodies about the health care of older people, and there was wide consultation on the development of the proposals in this White Paper, copies of which are available in the Library.
§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received from organisations representing elderly people regarding limitations of stay in respect of hospital care for the elderly; and what steps he is taking to ensure that elderly people who are sick obtain hospital treatment where appropriate. [13304]
§ Mr. BurnsA number of representations have been received from Members of Parliament, members of the medical profession and the general public regarding hospital care for elderly people. We have made it clear that elderly people throughout the country should receive national health service care on the basis of clinical need.