§ Paul FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress has been made in reducing the inappropriate over-use of neuroleptic drugs in homes for the elderly. [26030]
§ Jacqui SmithI apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer him to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002,Official Report, column 192W.
A number of measures have been taken to ensure that there is no inappropriate or excessive use of antipsychotic drugs for older people. In particular, implementation of the National Service Framework for Older People will ensure effective prescribing and administration of medication for older people. The new national minimum 1004W standards for care homes, for implementation from April 2002, include standards to protect older people from inappropriate medication.