Chiropody (Hansard, 20 November 2003)

§ Mr. Baron
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what the cost of compiling the KT23 chiropody statistics was in 2002; [139878]
(2) which organisations were consulted on the proposed abolition of the annual KT23 chiropody statistics; and, of those consulted, which were (a) in favour of abolition and (b) opposed to it; [139879]
(3) if he will make a statement on the future of KT23 chiropody statistics. [139880]

§ Dr. Ladyman
As part of the initiative to reduce the burden of bureaucracy on the national health service, the need for all departmental returns, including the KT23 chiropody statistics return, is being re-examined. An internal review is currently in progress. No decision has yet been made with regard to the KT23 return. In the event of a recommendation to amend or abolish the return, formal consultation with interested parties, including the relevant professional organisations, would take place before final decisions were taken.
Information about the cost of compiling the KT23 chiropody statistics is not available centrally.

§ Mr. Baron
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of variations in provision of NHS(a) chiropody and (b) podiatry in different regions of England; [140180]
(2) what plans he has to encourage the greater use of podiatric surgeons; and if he will make a statement. [140181]

§ Dr. Ladyman
It is for primary care trusts to assess the health needs of their local community, and the need for particular services in their locality, and to make such arrangements as they consider appropriate using the resources which are made available to them for this purpose.

§ Mr. Baron
To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the long-term health impacts of discharging NHS(a) chiropody and (b) podiatry patients who are deemed to be low risk. [140182]

§ Dr. Ladyman
It is for clinicians in the first instance to assess and take account of the clinical implications of their decisions.