§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to ensure that there is nationally available access to specialised stroke units. [34099]
§ Mr. Milburn[holding answer 16 March 1998]: In terms of hospital care, it is well established that rehabilitation after a stroke is best provided by properly organised multi-disciplinary teams, and we have endorsed this message in one of our Effective Health Care Bulletins.
It is currently the responsibility of local commissioners to assess the health care needs of their population and to commission services appropriately.
The Clinical Standards Advisory Group is currently undertaking a study on clinical effectiveness, using stroke as a marker condition, and has recently commissioned a survey of stroke services in a representative sample of National Health Service trusts. Its report is expected to be published later this year.
271WThe NHS White Paper, The New NHS—Modern and Dependable, sets out a clear vision of the kind of NHS in which access to services, equity of care and the needs of all patients, including those with long term illness, are paramount.