§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what surveys have been undertaken by her Department as to the health service provision available to elderly members of ethnic communities in(a) London and (b) England; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. YeoDistrict health authorities are responsible for assessing the health care needs of their resident populations, including their ethnic communities, and for ensuring that appropriate services are available. Monitoring access to and use of services by members of ethnic groups will be introduced nationally from April and will provide health authorities with information which they can use in planning services.
The Age Concern Institute of Gerontology has recently completed two studies of health and social services provision for ethnic elders, covering a wide range of localities, including some in London. This work was funded by the Department and the reports are currently being considered.