Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 2 January 2015, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 January 2015. It was answered by Norman Lamb (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 9 January 2015 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Digestive System: Older People

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the guidance issued to doctors and nurses on diagnosing blocked bowels in the elderly.

Answer

Responsibility for continence services sits with NHS England and clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). NHS England has advised that no assessment has been made on the effectiveness on the guidance issued to doctors and nurses on diagnosing blocked bowels in the elderly.

NHS England is responsible for the commissioning of specialised colorectal services and has produced a number of service specifications on various types of incontinence, clearly defining what is expected to be in place for providers to offer evidence-based, safe and effective services. Service specifications published by NHS England on colorectal services include Colorectal Complex Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Adult) and Colorectal services: faecal incontinence (adults).

CCGs are responsible for commissioning a high quality continence service for their local populations and performance managing their providers in the delivery of high quality services.

We expect providers of colorectal services and continence care to take into account any relevant National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on diagnosing blocked bowels.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
219614
Session
2014-15
Subjects
Diagnosis Older people Digestive system
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk