Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Wednesday, 11 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 January 2006. It was answered by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Monday, 23 January 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Brain Tumours (Treatment)

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps are being taken by her Department to improve access to rehabilitation services for brain tumour patients.

Answer: The Department scoping study is looking at rehabilitation services, including those for brain tumour patients, currently provided by the national health service and social care, with the aim of:"mapping levels of provision and models of service and, where possible, the cost-effectiveness of rehabilitative services;""identifying any gaps in provision;""identifying good practice exemplars; and""identifying opportunities to improve services"The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence is producing guidance on ““Improving Outcomes in Brain and Other Central Nervous System Tumours””. It will include advice on rehabilitation services for patients with these forms of cancer. A second draft of this guidance has recently been consulted on and the final guidance is due to be issued in June 2006.

Secondary information