§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have received (a) about the delayed publication and implementation of the Diabetes National Service Framework; (b) about Diabetes UK's call for a clear statement about the priority Ministers attach to diabetes; and (c) about the need for a firm date to be given for the publication of the national service framework; what replies they have made; and what action they will now be taking. [HL1204]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Hunt of Kings Heath)We announced on 15 October that the Diabetes National Service Framework standards would be published this autumn and the delivery strategy in summer 2002. An implementation group will work with the National Health Service and other interested parties to develop the delivery strategy. Since making this announcement, we have received a few Parliamentary Questions and over 150 letters to Ministers. My honourable friend the Minister of State (Ms Jacqui Smith) also met with Diabetes UK on 22 October.
§ Lord Clement-Jonesasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is the reason for the delay by a year of the publication and start of implementation of the Diabetes National Service Framework, and [HL1238]
Whether they are devoting adequate resources to drawing up the Diabetes National Service Framework. [HL1239]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe Diabetes National Service Framework standards will be published this autumn and the delivery strategy in summer 2002. In developing and implementing a national service framework, account is taken of the importance of a health issue in terms of morbidity and mortality, the scope for service improvement and the capacity of the152WA National Health Service and its partner agencies to implement the framework.
§ Lord Roberts of Conwyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why the Diabetes National Service Framework (NSF) has been delayed; and what is now the expected date of publication. [HL1271]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe Diabetes National Service Framework standards will be published this autumn and the delivery strategy in summer 2002. We shall also be setting up an implementation group this autumn which will work with the National Health Service and other interested parties to develop a delivery strategy for the Diabetes NSF that takes account of the changing roles and responsibilities of NHS organisations emerging fromShifting the Balance of Power. The agreed delivery strategy, including milestones, service models, performance indicators and underpinning programmes, will be published next summer.