§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how carers and care users will be able to ensure that they obtain the consistency and quality in the availability of services covered by national service frameworks announced in the White Paper, "The New NHS". [20562]
§ Mr. BoatengRepresentatives of users and carers will be involved in the development of national service frameworks, which will be published documents. Health authorities, National Health Service trusts and Primary Care Groups will agree local health improvement programmes which will set out, among other things, how national service frameworks will be implemented locally. These will also be published documents.
In addition, the White Paper introduces two new national bodies. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence will promote clinical and cost-effectiveness and produce and disseminate clinical guidelines. The Commission for Health Improvement will support and oversee the quality of clinical governance and clinical services.