§ Mr. Peter AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the mesotherapy treatments which are available from the NHS; and if he will make a statement. [41213]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 7 March 2002]: I understand that while mesotherapy has a number of applications, it is of most relevance to the NHS as a method of pain relief. Mesotherapy is a treatment where local anaesthetic is injected in small amounts to an area of pain. Chronic pain relief is provided throughout the NHS in different forms, and includes the use of local anaesthetic. However, pain relief is a short-term measure and it is important that the underlying cause of the pain is identified and treated.
The decision on the type of pain relief treatment provided to patients is made on a case by case basis. The Department does not collect details of the different types of pain relief available on the NHS.