§ Mr. ChaytorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to health authorities and NHS healthcare trusts in respect of the provision of adequate post-discharge care for coronary patients; what budget has been allocated for this service in the current three year spending programme; and if he will make a statement. [21452]
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§ Jacqui SmithThe National Service Framework for Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) was published on 6 March 2000 setting out national standards for the care of patients with CHD. This includes guidance on appropriate care on discharge from hospital following a heart attack, on secondary prevention of CHD to prevent further events, and on the provision of cardiac rehabilitation. In addition, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has produced a clinical guideline on secondary prevention for patients who have had a heart attack which covers appropriate drug treatment and the role of rehabilitation.
Spending on national health service services generally comes from a unified allocation to health authorities and it is not possible to identify the total spend on a particular area of care. We have provided substantial increased funding and by 2003 we will be investing an extra £230 million a year in heart services. Money has also been made available from Her Majesty's Treasury capital modernisation fund to provide equipment for rehabilitation (£10 million) and primary care services (£15 million).