§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what facilities there are in the NHS in Gloucestershire to identify those most at risk from strokes; and if he will make a statement. [149468]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonIn line with our policy of Shifting the Balance of Power, it is now for primary care trusts, in partnership with health authorities and other local stakeholders, to determine how best to use their funds to meet national and local priorities for improving health, tackling health inequalities and modernising services, based on the specialised knowledge they have of the local community.
I am informed by Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority that the National Health Service in Gloucestershire is involved in a wide range of prevention programmes, including exercise and diet, linked to health promotion. There is regular screening in primary and secondary care for example for high blood pressure, smoking and other familial factors with prescribing where appropriate. The NHS in Gloucestershire also participates in audits to monitor and improve practice in general practitioner surgeries and hospitals.
Quarter Qtr 1 (April-June 2003) Qtr 2 (July-September 2003) Number of patients treated for breast cancer within two months of urgent referral by their GP 3,844 4,047 Percentage of breast cancer patients treated within two months of urgent referral by their GP 96.8 97.8 Number of patients treated for breast cancer during the quarter but not within two months of urgent referral by their GP 127 91 By 2005, all cancer patients will receive their first treatment within two months of urgent referral for suspected cancer by their general practitioner, except for a good clinical reason or through patient choice. Targets of one month from urgent referral for suspected cancer to the start of treatment were introduced in 2001 for testicular cancer, acute leukaemia and children 's' cancers. Data on achievement of NHS cancer Plan waiting times targets are published on the Department's' website or strategic health authorities and trusts, at www.doh.gov.uk/cancerwaits.
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§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what NHS services are offered to stroke victims in their homes; and if he will make a statement. [149469]
§ Dr. LadymanPeople who have experienced a stroke for the first time should be admitted to hospital for immediate assessment and to plan for their rehabilitation. Many stroke units are now developing early discharge schemes to help some people (usually those with satisfactory domestic caring arrangements) to return home at an early opportunity to continue rehabilitation at home for a few more weeks. Most disabled stroke patients who are discharged from hospital at any stage of their care will benefit from a period of post-discharge rehabilitation. This has been shown to stabilise the patient's function and make a small additional improvement in independence. During the period following discharge, there will also commonly be contact with mainstream health and social care community services. These will include: the patient's general practitioner; community nurses; and the home care service. These contacts often continue long-term for patients with persisting disability. The national service framework for older people has stipulated that stroke patients should have a review, performed by a stroke co-ordinator six months after discharge, to reassess their care needs.