This information is not collected centrally as the Government consider that decision-making on individual clinical interventions, whether conventional, or complementary/alternative treatments, have to be a matter for local national health service providers and practitioners as they are best placed to know their community’s needs. In making such decisions, they have to take into account evidence for the safety, clinical and cost-effectiveness of any treatments, the availability of suitably qualified practitioners, and the needs of the individual patient.
The Department recognises that the health needs of a community can differ from area to area and primary care trusts would reflect these needs in developing policies on the commissioning and funding of any treatments or services.