HC Deb 05 February 2002 vol 379 cc924-5W
Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans there are to increase support and training for head injury survivors. [25453]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 9 January 2002]: We are keen to help ensure that all disabled people, including those with head injury, are able to play a full part in society. One important way of doing this is by helping people return to work whenever possible. Currently local authorities are taking the lead on Joint Investment Plans on Welfare to Work for disabled people initiative. The idea of these plans is to provide effective and joined up services for disabled people who want to work, to stay in work, or to move closer to the world of work.

Mr. Paterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans the Government have to compile up-to-date epidemiological data on the extent and severity of traumatic brain injury. [25454]

Jacqui Smith

[holding answer 9 January 2002]: There are no plans to extend our data collection. We already collect data on the number, extent and severity of traumatic brain injury, as shown in the table, which has data for the last five years. Around one million people a year receive a head injury in the United Kingdom, and over 100,000 of those attend hospital.