§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many chiropodists were working in the NHS in 2000; and how many are working in the NHS on the most recent date for which figures are available. [61842]
§ Mr. HuttonIn 2000 there were 3,470 chiropodists working in the National Health Service. As at 30 September 2001, the most recent information, the total chiropodist workforce had increased by 90 (3 per cent.), to 3560.
§ Mrs. Helen ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to use the services of independent state regulated chiropodists and podiatrists in meeting local service needs. [60682]
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§ Mr. HuttonThe NHS Plan document "Delivering the NHS Plan" states that primary care trusts will be free to purchase care from public, private or voluntary providers as appropriate. Decisions can be taken locally on how best to meet local service needs.
§ Mrs. Helen ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he plans to give to strategic health authorities and primary care trusts on the minimum levels of chiropody and podiatry services that should be provided in each area. [60681]
§ Mr. HuttonWe have no plans to issue any guidance to strategic health authorities or primary care trusts on minimum levels of chiropody and podiatry services. However, chiropody/podiatry services are essential parts of the national service frameworks for older people and diabetes. The department has also launched aNational Primary and Care Trust programme (NatPaCT) designed to support PCTs in delivering their key functions which will be:
As local organisations, PCTs are best placed to understand the needs of their patient populations. This will ensure that the right services are delivered to the right people in the right location at the right time.
- Improving the health of the community;
- Securing the provision of high quality services;
- Integrating health and social care locally.