§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health which primary care trusts employ community pulmonary rehabilitation nurses. [106495]
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§ Mr. HuttonNurses have a significant contribution to make to the care of people with respiratory conditions. Pulmonary rehabilitation is increasingly offered in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, particularly to older people, to help people achieve their highest level of function and independence. However, information on local service configuration in England such as the number of pulmonary rehabilitation services, and their staffing profile, is not collected centrally.
We expect all primary care trusts however, to plan provision of services that meet the needs of all patients including those who have pulmonary disease.
§ Mr. LuffTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the role of community pulmonary rehabilitation services in reducing emergency admissions to acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement; [106496]
(2) what guidance he has issued to primary care trusts on community pulmonary rehabilitation services; and what performance targets he has set for these services. [106494]
§ Jacqui SmithThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently developing a guideline on the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in primary and secondary care. NICE is due to publish the guideline in 2004. In January 2003, the Respiratory Alliance published its guidance, "Bridging the Gap", which aims to help primary care trusts to commission and deliver high quality allergy and respiratory care.
We have issued no guidance to primary care trusts on community pulmonary rehabilitation services nor made any assessment of the role of community pulmonary rehabilitation services in reducing emergency admissions to acute hospitals.