§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what initiatives he is taking to improve the recuperation and rehabilitation services available for older people. [65323]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 14 January 1999]: A letter issued by the Government in 1997 entitled "Better Services for Vulnerable People" presented a programme of work which included as one of its objectives the improvement of recuperation and rehabilitation services for older people. It focused on three specific initiatives:
the development of joint investment plans in continuing care and mental health;a national development programme which focuses on rehabilitation;the development of a national framework for multi-disciplinary assessment in acute and community health care settings, jointly with social services.This initiative was aimed at all vulnerable people but specifically mentioned older people as a priority for early work.
Through the additional £159 million winter pressures funding announced in November 1998 and the £65 million additional funds made available in the summer to support sustained reductions in waiting lists, health authorities and National Health Service trusts working with social services have been required to target investment in better community rehabilitation and recuperation schemes to enable patients to return home safely.
§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the timetable for National Health Service trusts to take action to ensure they have in place adequate resources and quality assurance systems for older people in hospital. [65319]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 14 January 1999]: A Health Circular (HSC 1998/220) was distributed to chief executives of all health authorities and NHS trusts on 27 November 1998, together with a copy of the report commissioned from Health Advisory Service 2000 "Not Because They Are Old" concerning the care of older people on acute wards in hospital, requiring immediate appropriate remedial action where the essentials of care are not being provided.
The national service framework for older people will set standards for the care of older people. Progress against these standards will be monitored and performance will be made public. The national service framework will be developed over the next year to be operational from April 2000.
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§ Dr. BrandTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will carry out a review of the merits of integrating care of the elderly with acute medical services. [65335]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 14 January 1999]: The new national service framework for older people will focus on those parts of the National Health Service that are particularly important to older people. It will look at how services are organised and delivered, and where appropriate define service models based on best practice.