§ Mr. KidneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what changes he has made to his Department's guidance ref. HSG(95)8 regarding the availability of specialist pressure-relieving equipment. [79912]
§ Mr. HuttonHSG(95)8 "NHS responsibilities for meeting continuing health care needs" covers the arrangements that health authorities need to make for patients who have continuing health care needs which can be met in hospital, nursing homes or their own homes. The guidance confirms that people in nursing homes may require some regular access to specialist medical, nursing or other community health services, including specialist medical or nursing equipment, but does not specifically list pressure-relieving equipment. There have been no changes to the guidance since it was issued in 1995. In the light of the Health Committee report on the interface between health and social services, there will be a review of continuing health care policy.