Chiropody (Hansard, 23 May 2002)

§ Mr. Weir
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to increase the numbers of persons entering training as chiropodists. [57218]

§ Mr. Hutton
Chiropodists are included within the NHS Plan target for 4,450 more therapists and other key professional staff entering training each year by 2004. Our latest forecast or meeting this target suggest an increase of more than a hundred places (34 per cent.) over current levels by 2004.
We intend to work with the society of chiropodists and podiatrists to raise the profile of the profession and encourage students to enter training.

§ Helen Jones
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance he has issued to strategic health authorities and primary care trusts on the provision of chiropody services; and if he will make a statement. [58515]

§ Jacqui Smith
No guidance has been issued to strategic health authorities or primary care trusts (PCTs) on provision of chiropody services. However, chiropody/podiatry services are essential parts of the national service frameworks for older people and diabetes. The
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Department has also launched a "National Primary and Care Trust programme (NatPaCT)" designed to support PCTs in delivering their key functions which will be:

improving the health of the community,

securing the provision of high quality services, and

integrating health and social care locally.

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.