Speeches

Mrs Cheryl Gillan – 2015 Parliamentary Question to the Department of Health

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Mrs Cheryl Gillan on 2015-12-07.

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he will take steps to improve access for patients with muscular dystrophy to hydrotherapy services.

George Freeman

NHS England is responsible for commissioning specialised neurological services, which includes services for patients with neuromuscular disorders. NHS England has published a service specification for neurological care, which sets out what providers must have in place to offer evidence-based, safe and effective services. The specification can be found at the following link:

www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d04-neurosci-spec-neuro.pdf

Specialised neuromuscular care may include referral to local physiotherapy, hydrotherapy or rehabilitation if appropriate, however the commissioning of hydrotherapy services is a matter for local clinical commissioning groups. There are no plans to conduct a national review of hydrotherapy provision.