Written question asked by Chris McCafferty (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 March 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 March 2010. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 30 March 2010 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Heart Diseases: Health Services

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what consideration he has given to the introduction of a GP Quality Outcomes Framework for cardiac rehabilitation; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: The Department has not considered the introduction of a Quality Outcomes Framework (QOF) indicator for cardiac rehabilitation. The prioritisation of potential indicators for inclusion in the QOF is the responsibility of the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).NICE will open its online topic suggestions facility twice a year to allow stakeholders to submit suggestions for new indicators. The facility is currently closed and will be opened for the next round of suggestions in the autumn. A similar facility is also available which allows stakeholders to comment on existing indicators. This is available on their website at:"www.nice.org.uk/aboutnice/qof/comment.jsp"

Secondary information