HC Deb 19 January 2004 vol 416 cc1059-60W
Ann Keen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action is being taken to ensure that there are sufficient(a) palliative care and (b) hospice beds available for children with life-shortening illnesses. [146319]

Dr. Ladyman

Funding for these services is available from primary care trusts, which are responsible for ensuring the level of health care provision required by their local population. Local authorities also fund

UK dental schools—intake and number obtaining first qualification
Academic year 1997–98 1998–99 1999–2000 2000–01 2001–02
Intake 898 868 883 920 922
Number obtaining first qualification 768 782 808 815 800
Source:
Higher Education funding Council for England, Universities and Colleges Admissions Service.

services for disabled children. In addition, the New Opportunities Fund has provided £48 million over three years to over 130 projects in support of children with life-shortening illness and their families, and to develop more options for care. The national service framework for children, which is to be published later this year, will also address services for children with severe disability and illness.