§ Mr. Ben ChapmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what guidance he has given to primary care trusts about the quantity of incontinence pads to be supplied to individuals in residential homes; [166053]
(2) what consultation he has had with independent nursing homes about the supply of incontinence pads. [166054]
§ Dr. LadymanSince the introduction of national health service-funded nursing care in October 2001, residents in care homes providing nursing care should not have to pay for the continence supplies they need. The NHS will ensure that the care home either receives continence products free of charge, or will make a payment to the care home for continence provision. Guidance issued to primary care trusts in September 2001 and March 2003 was consulted upon with a wide range of stakeholders, including care homes providing nursing care. The guidance stresses the importance of the NHS consulting local providers about continence provision to ensure that, as far as possible, the arrangements meet their needs concerning delivery and storage.