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Dept of Health

Answer

Mr. John Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on (a) the case for the (i) application of more resources and training and (ii) formulation of a national action programme for allergy services advanced by the anaphylaxis campaign and (b) the solutions proposed by the Royal College of Physicians in 2003. [190629] Dr. Ladyman: The national health service improvement programme, "Putting People at the Heart of Public Services" sets out the commitment that the NHS will build a responsive service tailored to the needs of people living with long-term conditions, including allergies. There are already a number of initiatives in place, which will improve outcomes and the quality of life of patients with long-term conditions. These include: The development of standards for better health The expert patient programme The chronic disease management programme Food Standards Agency work on food allergy The new general practitioner contract We welcomed the publication of the Royal College of Physicians' report and believe it is a useful contribution to the continuing debate on how to improve NHS allergy services. It is the role of primary care trusts, in partnership with local stakeholders, to decide service provision for their populations, including those with allergies, as they are best placed to understand local health care needs and commission services accordingly.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

425 c487W; 190629

Session

2003-04

Subjects

Health services Allergies Anaphylaxis Campaign

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk