Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Monday, 16 July 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 11 March 2002. It was answered by Lord Hutton of Furness (Labour) on Monday, 11 March 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will make it his policy for there to be a pain clinic in every major hospital; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures and ref to 38 c192W, 3 March 2002, and Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) report "Services for Patients with Pain".

Answer: Harry Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make it his policy for there to be a pain clinic in every major hospital; and if he will make a statement. [5311] Mr. Hutton: I apologise to my hon. Friend for the delay in responding to this question. I refer my hon. Friend to the reply that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Blackpool, North and Fleetwood (Mrs. Humble) on 5 March 2002, Official Report, column 192W. Chronic pain services exist in 220 acute hospitals, 88 per cent. of acute hospitals in the United Kingdom. The Clinical Standards Advisory Group (CSAG) report on "Services for Patients with Pain" published in April 2000 highlighted variations between hospitals in quality and access to pain management services. Trusts should review the services they provide against the standards set out in the CSAG report and other guidance. In this review account should be taken of the needs of both adults and children, and include patients with acute pain resulting from sudden illness or accident, as well as post-operative pain and chronic pain. Trusts should also agree with commissioners the services and resources which are appropriate to meet local needs.

Secondary information