§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what proportion of the new investment in the NHS is to be devoted to(a) workplace health and (b) the development of the occupational health service. [53600]
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§ Mr. HuttonDecisions about what proportion of the extra resources for the national health service announced in the 2002 Budget is to be devoted to workplace health and occupational health services will be taken locally rather than nationally.
Good occupational health and safety is an essential part of the effective management of the health of people at work. "The Effective Management of Occupational Health and Safety Services in the NHS", issued by the Department of Health in November 2001, describes the range of services which should be available to all staff working in the NHS and sets a number of standards for their delivery. The service delivery standards form part of the Improving Working Lives programme in the NHS.