HC Deb 17 November 1997 vol 301 cc59-60W
Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to commission research into the overuse of sedatives in nursing and residential homes.[15772]

Mr. Milburn

We have no plans to commission specific research into the use of sedatives in nursing and residential homes. The responsibility for prescribing, including repeat prescribing and the prescribing of sedatives, rests with the doctor who has clinical responsibility for that particular aspect of a patient's care.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to review the guidelines published by his Department for the administration of medication in nursing and residential homes.[15740]

Mr. Boateng

We have no such plans at this time. The Department has worked with other organisations with an interest in residential care and nursing homes and there are various sources of available guidance on the administration of medication. Under the Registered Homes Act 1984 local and health authorities are responsible for regulating homes and should ensure that homes have proper arrangements for the administration of medicines.

The MedicinesAct 1968 governs the prescribing, supply and administration of medication in residential care homes and nursing homes. Dr. June Crown is currently chairing a wide-ranging Review of Prescribing, Supply and Administration of Medicines, which will include issues of prescribing, supply and administration of medicines in nursing and residential care homes. Dr. Crown is due to report to Ministers next year.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans his Department has to review the arrangements by which general practitioners are remunerated for care of patients in nursing and residential homes.[15736]

Mr. Milburn

All arrangements for remunerating general practitioners are kept under review, and Ministers and officials consult with the representatives of the profession regularly.

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