§ Dr. Evan HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the average gross cost in pounds per course of treatment in England for(a)children and (b)adults in 2000–01. [44289]
§ Mr. HuttonThe costs of courses of treatments for adults and children are not routinely recorded at national level.
The NHS records different elements of care in different ways. Inpatient and day case treatments are counted using Finished Consultant Episodes. In 2000–01, the average costs for an Inpatient Episode and a Day Case Episode are £1,188 and £386 respectively.
414WOutpatient attendances are reported separately and reported on a cost per attendance basis. In 2000–01, the average cost per attendance, across all specialties was £78. It is not possible from current data to split these costs between adults and children.
The NHS records activity and costs at a more detailed level than the aggregate costs shown above. The average unit costs of individual treatments, procedures and types of appointments etc. for each NHS provider are collected annually. From this data national average unit costs are produced and published annually. This detailed cost and activity data is published in the Reference Costs publication and can be combined in various combinations to reflect the course of treatment for individual conditions. These costs do not include associated costs incurred in general practice.
Full details of these unit costs for 2000–01 can be found in the Reference Costs 2001 publication located in the Library. This information is also made more widely available through the Department's Internet site at www.doh.gov.uldnhsexec/refcosts.htm.