§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients recorded as first contacts for chiropody services during 2002–03(a) had a foot condition that was cured and (b) did not go on to receive foot care. [131565]
§ Dr. Ladyman[holding answer 14 October 2003]This information is not collected centrally.
§ Mr. BaronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what studies he has commissioned on access and eligibility criteria used by primary care trusts for NHS chiropody provision; and what the results were; [131566]
(2) what steps are being taken to harmonise access and eligibility criteria for chiropody services across (a) primary care trusts and (b) regions; [131567]
(3) what extent access and eligibility criteria for chiropody services operated by primary care trusts are based on (a) patient need and (b) funding requirement. [131568]
§ Dr. Ladyman[holding answer 14 October 2003]We have not commissioned any such studies. Eligibility criteria are broadly the same everywhere and are essentially clinical though there may be detail differences from place to place. Access in individual cases may depend on a variety of factors including funding but predominantly acuteness of problem, 579W medical risk or clinical need. It is for primary care trusts to determine the level of resources to devote to the treatment of different conditions in their localities.