HC Deb 14 January 2003 vol 397 cc532-3W
Chris Grayling

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on near patient testing by NHS trusts. [87534]

Mr. Hutton

The NHS Plan set out the vision for the national health service to offer patients fast and convenient care offered to a consistently high standard. Subsequently, Delivering the NHS Plan confirmed our commitment to substantial increases in NHS capacity and to using the extra investment to modernise the way services are provided to bring them closer to patients, to expand the choices available to them and to make better use of the NHS work force.

The Department recognises the vital role of pathology services in the effective treatment and care of patients, and in providing fast and effective diagnoses to support improved access to services. We support the appropriate use of near patient testing in primary care, community clinics, accident and emergency departments and on the wards, which can provide improved service for patients, speeding up diagnoses and treatment.

We are currently revising our draft guidance for the NHS on modernising pathology services, and will include advice on appropriate use of near patient testing in this.