§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) for what reason there are targets in the NHS improvement plan for reducing deaths from some medical conditions but not others; and if he will make a statement; [183695]
(2) for what reason the NHS improvement plan target for reducing deaths from (a) heart disease, (b) stroke and (c) cancer is limited to those aged under 75 years. [183699]
§ Miss Melanie Johnson[holding answer 13 July 2004]: Deaths from coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer account for around 65 per cent. of all deaths each year—346,792 in England and Wales in 2002.
Targets for these conditions are included in the NHS Improvement Plan, as they are the major killers and the Government wishes to focus on tackling those diseases, which will have the greatest impact on public health.
The impact of preventative and treatment measures in coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer is more likely to be demonstrated in changing trends of those aged under 75. These changes can only be demonstrated using robust data, which is suitable for international comparisons. The quality of assignment of cause of death is stronger for people under age 75 and we have focused the targets on them.
We are committed to ensuring that treatment should be available based on clinical need and there should not be discrimination of any kind. It is important to note 917W that monitoring activity is not restricted to the age range of the target and we will continue to monitor closely trends for those over the age of 75.