Continence Services

Mr. Fraser
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many incontinence (a) pads and (b) pants were supplied by the NHS in each of the last five years; and what steps she is taking to ensure that her Department's guidance Good Practice in Continence Services is fully implemented by NHS trusts;

(2) how much was spent by the NHS on incontinence (a) pads and (b) pants in each of the last five years.

Mr. Ivan Lewis
The Department does not collect information on the number of incontinence pads and pants supplied by the national health service, or NHS expenditure on such items. It is for professionals in primary care trusts to commission appropriate services for local people, based on current and anticipated needs, and in consultation with stakeholders. In commissioning these services, professionals are expected to have regard to the recommendations outlined in good practice in continence services.