§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what specific steps she is taking to improve the equity of medical care, following the report of the Royal College of Physicians, entitled "Ensuring Equity and Quality of Care for Elderly People"; and if she will make a statement;
(2) what specific steps she is taking to ensure a wider knowledge among hospital specialists of the special needs of elderly people with particular reference to those aspects where the development of multiple pathology and poly-pharmacy are relevant; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. BowisWe welcomed the publication of the report as an incentive to improved accessibility and quality of service for elderly people. Aimed primarily at professionals and managers in the sector, it emphasises the need to meet both the acute health care needs of older patients and any special needs arising from the ageing process, with appropriate liaison between specialists. We have cited the report in our priorities and planning guidance for the NHS for 1995–96.
We have repeatedly stressed that the national health service must be open to people of all ages on the basis of clinical need. Since the publication of the Royal College of Physicians' report in May we have met with the British Geriatrics Society to discuss the issues it raises, and other matters relevant to the health of elderly people, and a further meeting is planned at official level. The chief medical officer proposes to host a seminar next spring for senior members of the medical profession to discuss the education and training of all doctors and medical students in the treatment and care of elderly people. In addition, the Department is represented on a Royal College of Physicians working group updating its 1984 publication "Medication for the elderly", which will provide useful guidance to the field in this area.