HC Deb 15 July 2002 vol 389 c120W
Bob Spink

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what his policy is on the co-ordination of neonatal intensive care with the paediatric surgical sub-specialisation of(a) cleft lip and palate, (b) ophthalmology and (c) otolaryngology; [67662]

(2) what his policy is on establishing a set of national care standards for neonatal intensive care; [67671]

(3) what his policy is on the recruitment, retention and career progression of neonatal intensive care nurses; [67672]

(4) what assessment he makes of the staffing levels for doctors and nurses in neonatal intensive care; and what plans he has to increase these; [67667]

(5) how the needs of sick or premature new-born infants are categorised in the NHS; and what changes he proposes to make to these; [67668]

(6) what assessment he has made of the availability of capacity to meet demand in neonatal intensive care; [67675]

(7) what his policy is on the co-ordination of neonatal intensive care with the paediatric sub-specialisation of (a) cardiology, (b) neurosurgery, (c) neurology, (d) nephrology, (e) radiology, (f) hepatology, (g) gastroenterology, (h) endocrinology and (i) haematology; [67663]

(8) what arrangements he will make to build networks to facilitate and exchange information on research into neonatal intensive care; [67664]

(9) what assessment he makes of the impact of restrictions on hours of work for junior doctors on the provision of neonatal intensive care; [67673]

(10) what action he plans to make available statistics on types of treatment given and outcomes in neonatal intensive care other than mortality; [67674]

(11) what action he intends to take to improve the co-ordination between neonatal intensive care facilities and general maternity facilities in the NHS; [67669]

(12) what provisions are made in the NHS for parents of sick or premature new-born infants who require neonatal intensive care; [67670]

(13) what assessment he has made of the changes needed in the organisation of neonatal intensive care; and if he will make a statement. [67661]

Jacqui Smith

A review has been undertaken of provision for neonatal services which addresses the issues raised by the hon. Member. I have received a report following the review. This is currently under active consideration. I expect to determine the next steps in this process shortly.