§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what representations he has received regarding the payments negotiated by NHS trusts and hospices for the provision of services in hospices; and if he will make a statement; [116009]
(2) what guidelines his Department issues to NHS trusts regarding the purchase of services from hospices. [116008]
§ Yvette CooperSuccessive guidance to health authorities has made clear their responsibilities for commissioning services that meet the assessed needs of their local communities. Health Service Circular 1998/99: "Palliative Care" states that commissioners, including primary health care groups need to work together with providers to develop a palliative care strategy which is right for their population, based on health needs assessment.
346WHSC 1998/198: "Commissioning in the new National Health Service" makes it explicit that full development of the new commissioning arrangements needs to involve partnership working both in and beyond the NHS. The guidance also states that regional offices should pay particular attention to the commissioning of cancer services in the follow-up to Calman/Hine.
Where services are commissioned from the non-NHS sector, commissioners should ensure the service provided is valuable, effective and offers value for money. The decision to commission services provided by non-NHS facilities will continue to be made locally and will be made in the best interests of the patient.
I met members of the National Council for Hospices and Specialist Palliative Care Services, including representatives of the independent sector and also attended a recent All Party Group on Hospices meeting. On both occasions the issue of funding of hospices was raised.
Professor Mike Richards, the National Cancer Director, is working to develop a supportive care strategy as part of his wider work programme, and this will set the context for future developments in the commissioning of services from hospices.
§ Mr. PickthallTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the funding of(a) children's hospices and (b) adult hospices. [117150]
§ Yvette CooperThe funding of adult and children's hospices is a matter for local discussion and agreement and must be based on local health needs assessment. The Health Improvement Programme (HImP) is and will continue to be the funding mechanism for palliative care services. Voluntary healthcare providers are viewed as important players in the planning and provision of services and should be involved in the development of HImPs. From this should flow more detailed plans for commissioning services, including arrangements for palliative care.