§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received concerning the provision of transcutaneous nerve stimulators on long term loan by health authorities to chronic pain sufferers.
§ Mr. WhitneyDuring the last six months we have received three inquiries about the supply of transcutaneous nerve stimulators, one from an hon. Member, one from a health authority and one from the Royal Associaton for Disability and Rehabilitation.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance his Department gives to health authorities concerning the provisions of transcutaneous nerve stimulators on long term loan to chronic pain sufferers.
§ Mr. WhitneyNo specific guidance has been issued on the provision of transcutaneous nerve stimulators. An item of equipment such as a transcutaneous nerve stimulator may be loaned to a patient free of charge if it has been prescribed by a consultant, and if the health authority has decided to provide it from within its allocated resources.