HC Deb 02 March 1995 vol 255 cc700-1W
Mr. Morgan

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales (1) if he will announce his adjudication on the health research project applications submitted to his Department for 1995–96 funding; and if he will give the title of the successful application for funding and their total estimated cost(a) in 1995–96 and (b) in 1996–97;

(2) what guidance was given to applicants for funding on health research projects in 1995–96; on what date the invitation to apply for financial assistance was advertised and in what media and in what terms; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Redwood

Professor Ian Russell, the director of research and development, wrote to a wide range of research interests in Wales in May 1994 seeking bids for health research funding. Guidance on the priority areas and the criteria against which bids would be assessed were provided at a series of meetings convened throughout Wales and details were circulated to all those who expressed an interest. I have agreed that the following projects should be funded from the R and D budget:

Project Location Funding
1995–96 £ 1996–97 £
To produce a reliable measure of how sensitive GPs are lo patients' expectations, fears and concerns as a means of improving the effectiveness of primary care. University of Wales, College of Medicine. 19,000 18,000
To develop guidance on which patients are most likely to benefit from being referred to a dermatology clinic by their GP. Wrexham Maelor NHS Trust and University of Wales, College of Medicine 41,000 34,000
To evaluate improvements in the quality of information on cancer in Wales that could result from better reporting guidelines and the use of computer-based reports. Llandough NHS trust and the NHS Cancer Registry. 33,000 25,000
To assess a new package of treatment for the most severely disordered children. University of Wales, Bangor and Gwynedd Community NHS Trust. 53,000 47,000
To evaluate orthotic therapy for diabetic patients to reduce the risk of development of serious foot problems. Cardiff Institute of Higher Education and Royal Gwent Hospital. 24,000 18,000
To review how patient care and nursing practice is affected by the way information on patient care is recorded by nurses. University of Wales, Aberystwyth and Swansea. 33,000 —
To assess the benefits of screening patients at home for severe breathing problems during sleep, which can result in serious health problems. University of Wales, Swansea and Prince Philip Hospital. 50,000 36,000
To evaluate the reliability of a method of identifying patients at risk of developing pressure sores. University of Wales, Bangor and Wrexham Maelor Hospital. 2,000 —