Dr. Desmond TurnerTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the statement in the Wanless report that new medical technologies can be used to facilitate a dramatic fall in length of stays in hospital. [118053]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Wanless report identifies several possible impacts of new medical technologies. Shorter length of stay in hospital is listed among numerous other potential effects. The Government recognise that it is important to determine the future impacts of technological advances.
The National Horizon Scanning Centre at the University of Birmingham, has a contract with the Department of Health to examine the impact that new health technologies and drugs may have on health expenditure. This year, for the first time, we have asked the National Horizon Scanning Centre to consider the impact that health0 technologies and drugs may have on average length of stay.