Written question asked by Adam Holloway (Conservative) on Monday, 16 January 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 18 January 2006. It was answered by Caroline Flint (Labour) on Tuesday, 7 February 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Darent Valley Hospital

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health for what reasons venereal disease treatment at Darent Valley Hospital has been reduced; and if she will make a statement.

Answer: Primary care trusts (PCTs) are responsible for providing sexual health services which meet the needs of their local populations, and decisions about the level of services will be agreed in the context of other health priorities.I understand from inquiries made with Kent and Medway strategic health authority that some short-term changes have been introduced at the Darent Valley Hospital clinic, but that services are being managed in a way that minimises any impact on the public.In planning the local delivery of services, PCTs must work towards the targets to improve access to genitourinary medicine (GUM) and reducing sexually transmitted infections set out in the public health White Paper. The Department is allocating £145 million nationally to PCTs to improve access to GUM services. Sexual health has now been identified as one of the top six priorities for the national health service in 2006–07.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 43261; 442 c1175W;442 c1175W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Health services Sexually transmitted infections Darent Valley Hospital
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk