Chiropody and Podiatry

HC Deb 26 February 2001 vol 363 cc423-4W

Ms Rosie Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to issue guidance from the NHS Executive on NHS chiropody and podiatry services; and if he will make a statement. [147266]

Mr. Hutton

We have no immediate plans to issue guidance. The NHS Plan sets out our commitment to over 6,500 more therapists and other health professionals working in the National Health Service by 2004 and this includes chiropodists and podiatrists.

Ms Rosie Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list the locations where podiatric surgery is available to NHS patients; and if he will make a statement on availability. [147267]

Mr. Hutton

We will shortly be publishing the names of trusts offering podiatric surgery.

Ms Rosie Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many podiatric surgeons work in the NHS; and if he will make a statement on their contribution to best practice in foot healthcare. [147264]

Mr. Hutton

We do not collect this information routinely at national level as these are rewarded under the speciality of "general surgery". We recognise the excellent contribution of podiatric surgeons to foot health.