§ Candy AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1), what assessment has been made of the cost of free provision of lifelines through the NHS; [78994]
(2) what financial assistance is available to older people for the purchase of lifelines through the NHS. [79050]
§ Jacqui SmithLifeline alarm systems are not normally purchased or provided by the National Health Service and no assessment has been made of the cost of doing so. "Lifelines" are 24-hour alarm services usually triggered by a call button in the room or worn around the neck. The equipment that supports them is frequently installed in residential or sheltered housing provided by local councils or registered social landlords. Depending on local eligibility criteria some landlords make a charge to residents to cover the ongoing cost of the equipment and specialist call centre.