§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to encourage good practice in(a) the treatment at primary care level and (b) the self-management of sleep apnoea. [72927]
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§ Ms BlearsAwareness about this condition has developed relatively recently nevertheless, there are already some specialised National Health Service sleep disorder services being developed. Examples are St Thomas's Hospital, London and at hospitals in Cambridge and Leicester. This should form the basis for building expertise within the NHS, and developing uniform service provision.
Primary care trusts, in partnership with local stakeholders, have the responsibility for deciding what services to provide for their populations including those with sleep apnoea. They are best placed to understand local health needs and commission services to meet them.