§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what provision is made for paediatric rheumatoid care by hospital trusts; and how many full time consultants work in this area. [62314]
§ Jacqui Smith[holding answer 25 June 2002]The children's national service framework, which is currently being developed, will set standards to improve the healthcare of children and young people. As with other specialities of paediatrics, access to the necessary care and arrangements for improved local delivery will be addressed by NSF hospital module. The Royal College of Paediatric and Child Health reports that there are currently 10 full time consultants who work in paediatric rheumatoid care.