HC Deb 22 January 2003 vol 398 cc386-7W
Helen Southworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what recent evaluation his Department has made of the incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning syndrome. [91606]

Ms Blears

The Department does not routinely collect information on the incidence of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Information that the Department evaluates is taken from the other Government Departments and the National Poisons Information service.

Helen Southworth

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to ensure effective(a) diagnosis, (b) treatment and (c) rehabilitation for people suffering chronic effects of carbon monoxide poisoning syndrome. [91610]

Ms Blears

In February 2002, the Chief Medical Officer and the Chief Nursing Officer published a letter Carbon Monoxide: The Forgotten Killer. This letter pulled together the most current information available on carbon monoxide and was forwarded to community nurses, midwives, health visitors and general practitioners. The letter gives instruction on how to diagnose carbon monoxide poisoning as well as how to manage patients who may display symptoms of poisoning.

The Department has also forwarded a videotape, prepared for the Health and Safety Executive, to all GP surgeries. This tape again highlights the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and gives advice to medical practitioners on how to diagnose possible poisoning cases.

The Department has supported and continues to support voluntary organisations through the Section 64 Grants to Voluntary Organisations Scheme. These organisations provide support and advice for people and their families who have been affected by carbon monoxide poisoning.

Officials in the Department have also published two papers in scientific journals that discuss carbon monoxide poisoning and in particular how exposure to long-term, low concentrations of carbon monoxide can affect health. The Department has also included a research project on carbon monoxide in its most recent programme of research in the air pollution field. The results of this project will be made available to the public on completion.