§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if deafblind users of domiciliary care services were
Bed availability data for Worcester HA 1998–99 Trust type Acute Geriatric Mental Illness Learning Disabilities Maternity Total Acute 543 127 0 0 78 748 Community 83 157 86 0 0 326 Multi-service 190 42 71 0 10 313 Worcester HA 816 326 157 0 88 1,387 In addition, 61 learning disability beds are provided to Worcester HA by North Warwickshire NHS Trust.
284Winvolved in the (a) steering group, (b) reference group and (c) user forum developing the draft national minimum standards for domiciliary services. [122791]
§ Mr. HuttonDeafblind organisations were not represented on the two groups developing standards but an organisation representing deaf people attended the user forum held in January this year. A draft version of the standards should be available for consultation later this year. The aim of the proposed regulatory framework for home care is that standards reflect the needs of all users of personal home care services.
§ Mr. Andrew GeorgeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if the consultation document on draft national minimum standards for domiciliary services will include standards relevant specifically to deafblind people, with particular reference to essential communicator-guide and intervenor services. [122790]
§ Mr. HuttonWe are currently developing standards around the provision of home care, to be given force through the Care Standards Bill. We want these to reflect the needs of all users of personal home care services. Proper training and supervision for staff providing personal care will lie at the heart of the new regulatory arrangements.