§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients underwent electroconvulsive therapy in the last year for which figures are available; what percentage gave written consent in advance of the treatment; and which primary care trusts do not provide written information on electroconvulsive therapy before treatment commences. [122406]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe latest information available on electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) is contained in the Department of Health's publication Statistical Bulletin Electro Convulsive Therapy: Survey covering the period from January 2002 to March 2002, England. This was a follow-up to an earlier survey of the period January to March 1999 and it looked at information gathered from a survey of National Health Service and independent sector care settings, including nursing homes and was undertaken to provide data on ECT that are not currently available elsewhere. In summary the survey found that
there were 12,800 administrations of ECT compared to 16,500 in January to March 1999;2,300 patients received ECT treatment compared to 2,800 in 1999;of the 2,300 patients who received ECT treatment 1,800 gave consent compared to 2,300 in 1999. The survey did not collect information on the formof consent given.The survey confirmed the continuing downward trend in the number of administrations of ECT. Copies of the 2002 survey and the earlier 1999 survey are available in the Library or can be downloaded from the Department of Health's website at http://www.doh.gov.uk/public/ work health care.htm#menthealth
Information on which primary care trusts do not provide written information on ECT before treatment is not collected centrally. However, health professionals and mental health services managers are expected to ensure that ECT is administered to patients in accordance with the detailed guidance published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Special Committee on ECT entitled "The ECT Handbook—The Second Report of the Royal College of Psychiatrists' Special Committee on ECT". In particular, the Handbook contains two appendices. A factsheet for you and your family and additional information for out-patients receiving ECT which should be copied and given to patients. Copies of this document can be downloaded from the college's website at http:// www.rcpsych.ac.uk/publications/cr/83 4.htm.
The Royal College of Psychiatrists has also established the ECT Accreditation Service that will promote standards and training nationwide.
The recently published guidance from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) on the use of ECT will help health professionals and service managers to ensure that ECT is administered as safely, appropriately and effectively as possible. Copies of this guidance can be downloaded from the NICE website at http://www.nice.org.uk/pdf/59ectfullguidance.pdf.