Written question asked by Lord Blencathra (Conservative) on Wednesday, 24 February 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 4 March 1999. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Thursday, 4 March 1999 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if it is his policy to establish chronic pain management progammes in the NHS on the model of that at St Thomas' Hospital in London.

Answer: Mr. Maclean: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if it is his policy to establish chronic pain management programmes in the NHS on the model of that at St. Thomas' Hospital in London. [73949] Mr. Hutton: Research has shown pain management programmes, similar to the model at St. Thomas' Hospital, to be effective for selected patients whose chronic pain is not relieved by conventional treatments. Against that background, it is for health authorities and National Health Service trusts to plan local pain services, in consultation with health professionals, to meet local needs.

Secondary information