Written question asked by Lord Harrison (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Darzi of Denham (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 2008.

Health: Diabetes

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord Darzi of Denham on 17 November (WA 168), whether there will be an additional section in the annual report on the national screening programme for diabetic retinopathy covering management of the patient's blood sugar and blood pressure by their general practitioner.

Answer: The national screening programme (NSP) for sight-threatening diabetic retinopathy produces peer-review reports following each external quality assurance visit. These make an assessment against the service objectives and quality assurance standards for the programme. The reports are shared with key stakeholders including local commissioners so that action can be taken to ensure that errors are dealt with competently and sensitively and professionals and organisations can make year-on-year improvements in service. The NSP is in regular contact with the national clinical director so that any appropriate action can be taken at national level to improve service. The NSP does not currently collect information on management of the patient's blood sugar and blood pressure by their general practitioner to include in the annual report. After a patient has been screened, a report is sent to the health professional managing the patient's diabetes care. Advice is given in information leaflets to both patients and to health professionals about the importance of managing blood sugar and blood pressure levels, and the quality and outcomes framework rewards general practitioners for measuring and improving these levels.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 197; 706 c46-7WA
Session: 2008-09
Related items: Health: Diabetes
Monday, 17 November 2008
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Screening Diabetic retinopathy
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk