§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he collates about the level of prescribing of psychotropic medication in residential homes; and what guidance he issues to doctors on this subject. [136015]
§ Mr. HuttonInformation on the level of psychotropic medication in residential homes is not available. The "Prescription Cost Analysis: England 1999", which is available in the Library, shows that in 1999, 5.6 million prescription items were dispensed in the community in England for drugs used in psychoses and related disorders. Drugs used in psychoses and related disorders are contained within the British National Formulary section 4.2.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) has a continuing rollover work programme appraising drugs and interventions. We are considering a number of drugs for 2000 to 2001 for NICE, and an announcement will be made shortly.
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§ Dr. NaysmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue guidance to doctors about alternatives to the prescribing of psychotropic medication for stress and minor illness. [135990]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence work programme includes the development of a guideline on the management of depression in the community. This will offer guidance on drug treatments and psychological therapies.
The recently published National Health Service Plan provides a model of mental health services which requires radical shifts in the current range of provision. An investment of over £300 million will fast forward the Mental Health National Service Framework and provide real choices and alternatives for service users. An example is the investment in primary care workers who will promote a range of options in the care and treatment of stress and minor illness.