HC Deb 04 May 2004 vol 420 c1472W
Mr. Maples

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has a facilitate greater use of pacemakers as part of an integrated falls strategy. [169272]

Dr. Ladyman

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is currently consulting on the second draft of its clinical practice guideline for the assessment and prevention of falls in older people. The consultation runs to 18 May 2004 and final guidance is due to be published in September 2004. More information can be found on the NICE website at http://www.nice.org.uk/cat.asp?c=20116. The guideline will include recommendations on the use of pacemakers, where they are relevant to the assessment and prevention of falls in older people.