§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what studies he has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated on services to children with life-threatening illnesses and their families; and if he will publish the results of those studies. [12389]
§ Mr. BowisIn February 1992, we announced that £1 million would be provided each year for five years to pilot new services in England for children with 717W life-threatening conditions and their families. A number of projects have been commissioned, spread evenly across England, which have included both statutory and voluntary initiatives. These projects cover hospital-based services, community home nursing services, voluntary respite and sitting services, counselling and psychological support.
This initiative still has a year to run, but in June 1994 an interim report was prepared jointly by the Association for Children with Life-threatening or Terminal Conditions and their Families—ACT—and the Department of Health. Copies of this report can be obtained from ACT.