§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what training medical students receive in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes; and if he will make a statement. [60121]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 10 June 2002]: Individual university medical schools determine their own undergraduate medical curriculum in the light of recommendations from the General Medical Council's education committee, which has the statutory responsibility to determine the extent and knowledge and skill required for the granting of primary medical qualifications in the UK. This includes the range of problems that are presented to doctors and the range of solutions that have been developed for their recognition, investigation, prevention and treatment.
The undergraduate medical course is the first step in the continuum of medical education, laying down the foundation for future professional life. The undergraduate course is not intended to provide specialist medical education within which training in the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes would fall.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to allow GPs to complete form C1EXAM3 when diabetes sufferers apply for C1(+E) licences; and if he will make a statement. [61939]
§ Mr. SpellarI have been asked to reply.
There are currently no plans to allow general practitioners to complete the C1EXAM3 form. My right hon. Friend's honorary medical advisory panel on driving and diabetes advises that a specialist assessment by a consultant diabetologist is required when an insulin 256W treated diabetes sufferer applies for a C1 (+E) licence. The situation will be reviewed should a system of accredited specialism in diabetes be introduced for general practitioners.
§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the financial provision he will make to implement the national service framework for the treatment of diabetes. [61514]
§ Mr. LammyThe Budget provides the highest sustained growth in national health service history, with annual average increases of 7.4 per cent. In real terms over the five years 2003–04 to 2007–08. Decisions about the allocation of the increased funding will be announced later this year.