HC Deb 29 October 2002 vol 391 cc746-7W
Dr. Richard Taylor

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the topics that are under consideration for future National Service Frameworks in the Health Service; and how they are selected. [76246]

Jacqui Smith

The national service framework (NSF) programme currently includes frameworks for mental health (1999), coronary heart disease (2000) the [national] Cancer Plan (2000), older people (2001) and diabetes standards (2001). The diabetes NSF delivery strategy is due later this year. Work is in hand on national service frameworks for renal services, childrens services and long term conditions. These frameworks amount to a significant programme of quality improvement across the national health service. We have no plans to amend the programme at present. The criteria for selection are set out in "A First Class Service".