§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reason he has not yet issued guidance on atypical and traditional anti-psychotic medication for schizophrenia; when he expects to issue guidance to NICE to investigate the use of atypical and traditional anti-psychotic medication for older people in care settings; and if he will make a statement [46554]
§ Jacqui SmithThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is appraising atypical anti-psychotic drugs for schizophrenia. NICE has produced its final appraisal determination which is subject to appeal. We are not in a position, until the result of the appeals is known, to state when guidance will be issued.
There are no plans at present for NICE to consider separately the use of anti-psychotic drugs for older people in care settings. Through measures such as the National Service Framework for Older People and the Care Standards Act, we have set out clear requirements for the proper management of medicines for older people.