Written question asked by Bob Spink (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 November 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 November 2005. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 19 December 2005 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Children's Hospices

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if she will make it her policy to enforce passporting of funding by primary care trusts to children's hospices.

Answer: In line with our guidance ““National Standards, Local Action”” in the three years to March 2008 80 per cent. of national health service funding will go direct to primary care trusts (PCTs) to give them control in shaping services to meet local needs. PCTs, along with their local partners and stakeholders, are in the best position to judge how the available funding can be used effectively in providing a range of palliative care services for children and young people.On the 29 November, we launched a guide for the commissioners of palliative care for children and young people ““Commissioning Children's and Young People's Palliative Care Services””. This practical guide will stimulate improvements in commissioning and promote quality care for children, young people and their families, in a range of settings, for example, palliative care at home, in hospital or in a hospice.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 440 c2613W; 30393
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Children Finance Hospices Primary care trusts Palliative care Standards
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk