§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidance has been provided to primary care trusts on collaborative commissioning for specialist heart services. [99440]
§ Ms BlearsPrimary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for assessing the health needs of their local community and preparing plans for health improvement, reflecting the diversity of local needs.
Arrangements for shared or collaborative commissioning of services, including specialist heart services, are being made locally between PCTs.
§ Mrs. MahonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what targets have been set to increase the use of new medical devices used in percutaneous coronary interventions. [99441]
§ Ms BlearsNo targets have been set for the use of new medical devices in percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). The National Institute for Clinical Excellence published guidance in May 2000 on the use of plain stents in PCI and is currently evaluating the appropriate use of drug eluting stents. Guidance on this is expected to be published later this year.