§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether money allocated to local authorities and primary care trusts and the additional extra funding announced as part of the package for the introduction of cross charging from next January will include funding for telecare and telehealthcare devices which promote independent living. [111175]
§ Jacqui SmithThere is no ring-fenced funding for telecare and telehealthcare devices within the allocations to local authorities and primary care trusts. The use of, and expenditure on, telecare and telehealthcare units in specific instances is a matter for local healthcare providers depending on local working practice and priorities.
There will be no conditions linked to the additional funding for the introdution of cross-charging.