HC Deb 30 November 1993 vol 233 cc461-2W
Sir Michael Grylls

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will issue guidance to both local health authorities and residential nursing homes for the elderly as to the responsibility for payment for essential specialist medical items necessary for the post-operative and continuing care of elderly patients.

Mr. Bowis

A large number of such items are available on national health service prescription.

Responsibility for prescribing drugs, dressings and appliances generally rests with the doctor who has clinical responsibility for the patient's care.

Guidance to health authorities in EL(91)127 advised that in some cases, responsibility for prescribing for discharged patients should remain with consultants rather than general practitioners, for example where drugs or appliances were only available through hospitals.

In December 1992 the Department issued guidance to both health authorities (HSG(92)50) and local authorities (LAC(92)24) about their respective responsibilities for funding community health services for people placed by local authorities in nursing and residential care homes after 1 April 1993.

Copies of EL(91)127, HSG(92)50 and LAC(92)24 are available in the Library.