HC Deb 20 January 1987 vol 108 cc515-6W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will take steps to ensure that resources are available to ensure that every person suffering from, or suspected as suffering from, incontinence receives a medical and nursing assessment; what information he has about variations from one part of the country to another in that regard; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

It is for individual authorities to decide for themselves how best to allocate their resources to meet their local needs and circumstances.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what evaluations have been made on the quality of the goods used in the management of incontinence; what evaluation units have been set up within his Department; what are proposed in assessing the quality of goods; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

Two evaluations carried out under the DHSS aids assessment programme were reported on in 1982–83. These covered incontinence garments and incontinence aids for handicapped children.

More recently, an evaluation study of incontinence pads and garments was funded by the Government at the department of geriatric medicine in the medical school of university college hospital, London. The report of this study was reported in the health equipment information series (no. 159, October 1986). Further work is being undertaken and will be reported in due course.

I understand that discussions are in progress with a view to establishing an evaluation unit to undertake a programme of assessments of incontinence products.

The need for such assessment is recognised as an important means of achieving the most effective use of the significant resources devoted to this area.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what support his Department is giving to the research into uro-dynamic investigation; if he will provide funds for the estabishment of regional uro-dynamic investigation units; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

Basic urological research is being supported by the Medical Research Council, which is the main Government-funded agency for medical and biological research in the United Kingdom. Central funds are provided for uro-dynamic investigation within the regional spinal injuries rehabilitation service at Rookwood hospital, Cardiff.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department will provide courses for general practitioners to assist them to recognise overflow incontinence in the case of severely constipated patients who are referred to geriatric hospitals; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

I refer the hon. Gentleman to the reply I gave him on 13 January at column156.

Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales who is responsible for co-ordinating the advising on the problems of incontinence and its treatment in all forms; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mark Robinson

Arrangements for co-ordinating and advising on the problems of incontinence, its treatment and the provision of services is a matter for individual health and local authorities. Many of them have appointed continence advisers to carry out these functions following advice given by the Welsh Office in 1977 that the management of incontinence should be clearly identified as the responsibility of a designated special nurse. Individuals suffering from incontinence should seek advice on treatment and management of the problem from their general practitioner, district nurse or health visitor.

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