§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) whether he plans to address the information and support needs of bereaved families affected by SUDEP and other epilepsy deaths following the evidence of the National Sentinel Audit of Epilepsy-Related Death; [72664]
(2) what steps the Government are taking to ensure epilepsy sufferers receive regular checks on health and medication; [72661]
(3) whether steps are being taken to set a national target for reduction of epilepsy deaths; [72665]
(4) if implementation of the action plan addressing findings of the National Audit of Epilepsy-Related Death will include specific action by primary care trusts; [72667]
(5) what steps his Department is taking to promote awareness of epilepsy and the medical risks associated with it; [72658]
(6) whether the Home Office is being consulted on the action plan to address the finding in the National Audit of Epilepsy-related Death on the adequacy of post-mortem investigations; [72663]
(7) what plans there are for implementation of the action plan addressing the findings of the National Audit of Epilepsy-Related Death; and what funding will be made available for this purpose;[72666]
(8) what plans he has to address the findings of the epilepsy deaths report on the adequacy of post-mortem investigations; [72662]
(9) what measures his Department is taking to improve information and medical training for epilepsy sufferers and carers of people with epilepsy. [72657]
§ Jacqui SmithIn May 2002, we welcomed the publication of the Government funded national sentinel audit of epilepsy-related death. The audit looked at investigations into epilepsy deaths, care provided prior to death and contact with bereaved families. We have given a commitment to consider in full the recommendations of the audit and to develop an action plan later this year to address the key issues. It will need to take account of and feed into a range of other initiatives including the national service framework for long term conditions (NSF), which will have a focus on neurological conditions such as epilepsy. We expect to meet with the epilepsy voluntary organisations shortly, and will consult with others as appropriate.
The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) published a summary report of the audit. The publication draws the attention of local National Health Service 344W clinicians and organisations to the need to establish or review policies and practices regarding the management of epilepsy and epilepsy related deaths.
The Department is also undertaking a range of other initiatives to improve services for the care and management of people with epilepsy. For example, we have:
Asked NICE to develop a clinical guideline, due in summer 2004, for the diagnosis, management and treatment of epilepsy to help address widespread variations in clinical practice and contribute to the improvement of services. This will be supported by a technology appraisal, due autumn 2003, of the clinical and cost effectiveness of new anti-epileptic drugs in children and adults, to help promote appropriate uptake and equitable access.Announced that the NSF for long term conditions is expected to develop standards of care for specific neurological conditions, including epilepsy. The NSF is currently planned for publication in 2004 and implementation is expected to start from 2005.Developed the expert patients programme, which aims to provide training in self-management skills for people with long term chronic conditions. The first pilot phase will include people with epilepsy.Provided funding to the Joint Epilepsy Council (JEC) to develop its National Statement of Good Practice for the Treatment and Care of People who have Epilepsy, which was published in May 2002. The statement makes a series of recommendations for good quality epilepsy services. It is intended to facilitate commissioning and will be of use to NHS purchasers, providers and service users.Provided funding to the National Society for Epilepsy for its Living Well Project. The project aims to promote independent living by providing locally based short-term courses for people with epilepsy to develop self-help and self-management techniques.Local health and social care organisations are responsible for planning and providing services for people with epilepsy, including the frequency of contact. The recently announced budget settlements for the NHS, representing an annual average increase of 7.5 per cent, above inflation over the five years 2003–04 to 2007–08, and personal social services (PSS), representing an annual average increase of 6.0 per cent. above inflation over the three years 2003–04 to 2005–06, will provide the investment needed to support the services which best meet patients' and users' needs.
§ Ms AthertonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps the Government are taking to train and promote(a) neurologists and (b) nurses with specialism in epilepsy. [72660]
§ Jacqui SmithIn the 2002 budget the Government set a target of recruiting 35,000 nurses, 15,000 doctors and 35,000 scientists and therapists. They will become part of the continuing drive to recruit more health professionals for the National Health Service.
The Department fully supports the need for an increase in the number of neurologists. Recommendations by the medical workforce review team are for the numbers of consultants in neurology to grow by some 50 per cent. by 2010, from 326 in 2001 to 496 in 2010, and some of those consultants may choose to specialise in epilepsy.
There are already about 100 epilepsy specialist nursing posts which have been developed in both hospital and community settings. Primary care trusts will be able to decide about the level of future demand in this area. They are best placed to understand local health needs and commission services to meet them.