HC Deb 10 December 2001 vol 376 cc716-7W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the advice available to diabetics on the safe disposal of their used needles; and if he will make a statement. [17458]

Jacqui Smith

We would expect a person with diabetes who injects insulin to be advised by their doctor or pharmacist about the safe disposal of their used syringes and needles. Because of the potential hazards to refuse collectors, used syringes and needles should not be disposed of in the domestic waste. Local authorities have a duty to collect clinical waste on request, although they may levy a reasonable charge for doing so. Some general practitioner practices, hospitals and pharmacists also provide a collection service for clinical waste. GPs may prescribe the 1 litre "Sharpsbin" for the disposal of needles and contaminated waste.

Mr. Sanders

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will publish the Diabetes National Framework Standards by the end of November. [R] [19552]

Jacqui Smith

We will be publishing the Diabetes National Service Framework Standards this year.

Dr. Kumar

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what expenditure on diabetes was in each year since 1997 in the Tees health authority. [20939]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 6 December 2001]: Information is not collected on disease based costs in the format requested. It is not possible, therefore, to identify total health authority diabetes related costs.

In the particular instance of diabetes a whole range of services are involved in the treatment of patients where the condition is a result of diabetes, for example ophthalmic services, renal services, general surgical services, primary care treatment and prescribing costs.

The table shows the general medical services non-discretionary expenditure on the chronic disease management programme for diabetes, that was incurred by Tees health authority in each financial year since 1997–98.

GMS non-discretionary expenditure on CDM Diabetes 1997–98 to 2000–01—Tees health authority
£
1997–98 115,711
1998–99 113,665
1999–2000 121,508
2000–01 125,096

Note:

2000–01 data are provisional

Source:

Annual financial returns for health authorities