§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the places of excellence where clinical work is being done on intestinal failure; what is his policy on support for work to prevent intestinal failure; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenI understand that treatment for transient intestinal failure, a common clinical situation particularly after abdominal operations, is standard and should be provided by all district general hospitals. Prolonged intestinal failure requires expert management in hospital. Many patients can then be managed at home on parenteral nutrition (an artificial support system involving the introduction of nutrients intravenously). Such therapy is available in a number of hospitals in the NHS throughout England. The provision of this service is a matter for Regional and District Health Authorities to determine subject to other claims upon available resources.
The Department wishes to see research work in all fields of interest, including work to prevent intestinal failure. Research in this sphere lies within the bio-medical field for which the Health Departments look to the Medical Research Council from their grant in aid under the science vote of the Department of Education and Science. I understand that in the financial year 1983–84 the council supported research in gastroenterology to the extent of some £1.5 million.