§ Lord Bleaseasked Her Majesty's Government:
What provisions are available in Northern Ireland for the regular screening for diabetes of those resident in nursing homes and in care establishments. [HL1690]
§ Baroness Farrington of RibbletonThere is no routine screening programme for diabetes at present. However, this is currently being reviewed by the National Screening Committee. Residents in nursing homes and residential care accommodation, like the rest of the general population, are registered with family doctors and have access to general medical services. GPs are encouraged to screen patients for diabetes, particularly those in high risk groups, during routine consultations or to test for diabetes of patients present with symptoms or signs of the disease. Other health care professionals such as community nurses, pharmacists, optometrists and chiropodists may identify symptoms or signs and refer patients for further investigation.