HC Deb 15 April 2002 vol 383 cc783-4W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many UVB machines there are in NHS hospitals in England and Wales; and how many are immobilised because of lack of trained staff. [45703]

Ms Blears

The information requested is not available centrally.

It is for health authorities in partnership with primary care groups/trusts and other local stakeholders to decide what services to provide for their populations including those who require treatment with UVB machines.

The Action On Dermatology (AOD) programme aims to identify, develop and share best practice in the organisation and delivery of services, with particular emphasis on improving access and reducing waiting times. Local services are helped to identify their constraints and to find effective solutions by developing new methods of organisation and clinical practice. A key element is the involvement of the clinical professions in identifying good practice and in encouraging its widespread adoption. Change in clinical practice is most effective when it is owned by clinicians themselves.