Written question asked by Barry Sheerman (Labour) on Monday, 16 July 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 19 July 2001. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 19 July 2001 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps he is taking to ensure that the National Prosthetic Service is adequately funded.

Answer: Mr. Sheerman: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to ensure that the national prosthetic service is adequately funded. [5328] Jacqui Smith: Prosthetic services are currently commissioned and funded by health authorities who base their resource allocation on local need. The National Health Service Purchasing and Supply Agency, supported by the Department, has commenced work on the development of a commissioning guide for prosthetic services. This will provide a tool for commissioners to ensure that funding is utilised in the most effective way and highlight to them the most important factors required for a user focused service.

Secondary information