§ Baroness Greengrossasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they ensure there is a coordinated national osteoporosis and falls service in the National Health Service; and [HL3971]
How they ensure primary care trusts provide an osteoporosis and falls service; and how they monitor that provision. [HL3972]
§ Lord WarnerThe National Service Framework for Older People (NSF) requires integrated falls services to be in place locally by April 2005. This should include appropriate links to osteoporosis. The Department of Health will be monitoring formally the April 2005 milestone at strategic health authority (SHA) level as this is included as one of the key targets inImprovement, Expansion and Reform, the priorities and planning framework for 2003–2006. SHAs are the key link between the department and primary care trusts. They ensure that national priorities, such as the development of falls services, are integrated into plans for the local health service. The Healthcare Commission will be undertaking a review of progress in delivery of the NSF for Older People including falls services, over the coming year.
§ Baroness Greengrossasked Her Majesty's Government:
How National Health Service Modernisation Agency initiatives on osteoporosis and falls will be implemented when that body is abolished.[HL39733]
§ Lord WarnerEnsuring the appropriate local delivery of osteoporosis and falls care and treatment is the responsibility of local health organisations.
By April 2005 the NHS Modernisation Agency will transfer most of its staff to modernisation within local settings. The Modernisation Agency will be succeeded by a new, smaller national organisation, which will preserve a strong central focus on modernisation and innovation in the National Health Service. The Modernisation Agency's devolved staff will be well placed to provide any necessary on-going support to the local services that will have been established.
§ Baroness Greengrossasked Her Majesty's Government:
How they ensure National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines are consistent with osteoporosis clinical guidelines. [HL3974]
§ Lord WarnerThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence is the independent organisation responsible for providing national guidance on treatments and care for those using the National Health Service in England and Wales. The institute takes account of the best available evidence and consults widely when formulating its advice to the NHS. The consultees may 147WA include guidance producing bodies, such as the Royal Colleges. The Royal College of Physicians has produced clinical guidelines on the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and NICE will take these into account when formulating its guidance.