§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what consultations he has had with(a) medical (b) patient and (c) other organisations as part of the review of the funding of specialised neurology services; [122579]
(2) what representations he has received from (a) medical, (b) patient and (c) other organisations as part of the review into the funding of specialised neurology services. [122580]
§ Mr. DenhamWe are currently considering how best to undertake an independent review of the evidence for the use of neurostimulator implants in the treatment of severe Parkinson's Disease and we are not in a position at the moment to undertake consultations. Once we have established the best mechanism for taking this work forward we will then consult with the relevant bodies.
Since February 2000 we have responded to 35 representations in the form of ministerial correspondence regarding specialised neurology treatments. These representations are categorised as follows:
- (a) Medical: 6
- (b) Patients: 1
- (c) Other organisations: 25 (generally the Parkinson's Disease Society and its local branches)
- (d) Hon. Members' constituents: 3 (whether clinician or patient is unknown)
In addition, we have responded to three pieces of ministerial correspondence about the use of out of area treatments to fund specialised treatments in general.
Officials regularly meet with representatives from a range of the relevant voluntary and patient organisations.
§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in implementing service agreements for neurosurgery and specialist neurology in the Eastern region. [122578]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Eastern Region Specialised Services Commissioning Group is reviewing the arrangements for specialised neurosciences in the light of the two recent national reports on standards and models of care.
In the meantime, health authorities in the Eastern region have no plans to change existing commissioning arrangements.