§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) walking sticks, (b) wigs, (c) crutches, (d) zimmer frames and (e) other aids were issued to NHS patients in the last 12 months for which figures are available; and how many, and what percentage, were returned to the NHS following the patients' recovery or death. [117605]
§ Mr. HuttonThe information requested is not collected centrally.
§ Mr. Gordon MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance his Department issues on monitoring the suitability of disability equipment after it has been issued. [117830]
§ Mr. HuttonIn 1998 the Department of Health sponsored the Disabled Living Centres Council to produce 'Community Equipment Services…why should we Care?', a guide to good practice in disability equipment services, which was distributed to councils and the NHS. This recommends that there should be effective arrangements to review the suitability of disability equipment after it has been issued. The Department is funding the Council to promote this guidance through conferences and the development of an Internet website.
We recognise that review arrangements are often unsatisfactory. Our guidance on Fair Access to Care Services (to be issued for consultation in May) will stress the importance of local authorities reviewing services, including disability equipment to ensure its continued suitability.