§ David DavisTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what measures he has implemented to ensure standard six of the National Service Framework for Older People is met; [57583]
(2) what targets his Department has set in relation to standard six of the National Service Framework for Older People. [57584]
§ Jacqui SmithStandard six of the national service framework for older people requires that "the National Health Service working in partnership with councils, takes action to prevent falls and reduce resultant fractures or other injuries in their populations of older people. Older people who have fallen receive effective treatment and prevention and, with their cares, receive advice on prevention through a specialised falls service." It sets milestones for ensuring the delivery of this standard by
April 2003 local health care providers (health, social services and the independent sector) should have audited their procedures and put in place risk management procedures to reduce the risk of older people falling.April 2004 the Health Improvement Plan, and other relevant local plans developed with local authority and independent sector partners, should include the development of an integrated falls service.April 2005 all local health and social care systems should have established this service.Detailed work with professional and voluntary bodies is taking place that will support delivery of these milestones and action is being taken piloting and mapping approaches to improved service delivery and local service and community collaborations. The National Institute for Clinical Excellence has begun work to prepare clinical guidelines for the NHS in England and Wales for the assessment and prevention of falls including recurrent falls in older people.