Answers to the Written Assembly Questions for answer on 16 November 2009

[R] signifies that the Member has declared an interest.
[W] signifies that the question was tabled in Welsh.

Contents

Questions to the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Questions to the Minister for Health and Social Services

To ask the Minister for Environment, Sustainability and Housing

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Will the Minister make a statement on the monitoring and training of planners responsible for ensuring disabled access under the Disability Discrimination Act. (WAQ55116)

Answer issued on 23 November 2009

Mandatory access statements have been in force since 2007 and were subsumed into design and access statements in June this year. Their introduction in 2007 was preceded by training for local planning authority officers throughout Wales delivered by the Assembly Government’s Planning Division, in association with the Design Commission for Wales. This training covered an introduction to the requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act.

The Code of Professional Conduct under the Royal Town Planning Institute places a responsibility on individual planners to maintain their professional competence and continue their professional development; they should therefore ensure that they are appropriately trained to keep abreast of up-to-date information.

More generally, it is for each local planning authority to determine officer training requirements. The Welsh Assembly Government does not monitor local government planning officer training or performance in relation to disabled access.

Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): What assessment has the Welsh Assembly Government made of the performance of Air Source Heat Pumps. (WAQ55122)

Answer issued on 16 November 2009

A study commissioned by the Assembly Government’s Home Energy Efficiency Scheme (HEES) contractor into the performance of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP) was recently carried out by the Building Research Establishment. The heat pumps were installed as part of HEES with the study considering the running cost and carbon emission impact benefits relative to likely alternatives such as heating oil.

An additional study into ASHP performance assessment is currently being undertaken by the Energy Saving Trust. The findings of these reports will feed in to decisions regarding when ASHPs are considered appropriate technology in Assembly Government fuel poverty and energy efficiency schemes.

Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): For what reason were Air Source Heat Pumps excluded from the recent changes to permitted development rights for microgeneration technology. (WAQ55123)

Answer issued on 23 November 2009

The Welsh Assembly Government has been liaising with UK Government departments and the Buildings Research Establishment to identify a standard certification scheme to address noise and vibration issues associated with air sourced heat pumps which currently can give rise to impacts on neighbouring properties. When noise and vibration issues have been addressed, further amending regulations will be brought forward. This is consistent with England and would also apply to wind turbines.

To ask the Minister for Health and Social Services

Kirsty Williams (Brecon and Radnorshire): Will the Minister make a statement on the provision of portable oxygen concentrators to patients following referral from their consultant. (WAQ55115)

Answer issued on 13 November 2009

Under the Home Oxygen Contract, Air Products (the current supplier in Wales) have trialled the use of portable oxygen concentrators.  From early December 2009 this type of equipment will be made available to patients across Wales, subject to a suitable assessment by either a GP or clinician.

Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): How many Welsh patients have been referred for obesity surgery per annum over the past 3 years. (WAQ55117)

Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): Of the total number of Welsh patients referred for obesity surgery per annum over the past 3 years, how many of these referrals have been approved. (WAQ55118)

Answer issued on 18 November 2009

Health Commission Wales have received a total of 1052 requests for bariatric surgery.

They have approved 165 patients over the last 3 financial years.

In addition to the approvals made by Health Commission Wales a minority of the Local Health Boards access a service in Swansea for which we do not hold figures.

Mick Bates (Montgomeryshire): What medical surgeries fall within the classification of 'bariatric treatments’. (WAQ55119)

Answer issued on 18 November 2009

There are a variety of bariatric treatments available, including community and primary care weight management services, as well as the specialist weight management services which lead to bariatric surgery.

With regards to which medical surgeries are classified as bariatric treatment this is determined by the specialist centres providing the treatment. Following a comprehensive multi disciplinary assessment of the patients medical and psychological needs and specialist medical management the bariatric surgeon will make a decision with regards to which surgery the patient should have. The most common procedures carried out by bariatric surgeons include laparoscopic gastric banding, laparoscopic gastric bypass and open bypass.

Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): Will the Minister undertake to consult the Automatic Vending Association as part of her review of the directions on vending machines in hospitals. (WAQ55120)

Answer issued on 13 November 2009

Health officials have engaged with NHS, commercial and voluntary sector organisations in the vending market, including the Automatic Vending Association, throughout the introduction of the health promoting hospital vending guidance. Health officials will continue to engage with these organisations as the review is published and work on this agenda progresses.

Nick Bourne (Mid and West Wales): When does the Minister intend to publish the findings of her review of the directions on vending machines in hospitals. (WAQ55121)

Answer issued on 13 November 2009

A review of the introduction of health promoting hospital vending has been completed. My officials are currently analysing the results and preparing a report.

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): Given the cost to the individuals and the economy of work days lost through back pain, what efforts will the Minister make to ensure Local Health Boards make every effort to implement the NICE guidance on Lower Back Pain. (WAQ55124)

Answer issued on 13 November 2009

I expect the NHS to take full account of the NICE guidance on low back pain in the planning and delivery of services.  However, as NICE clinical guidelines are so broad in nature, I realise it may take some time before the guidance is fully implemented across Wales.

Darren Millar (Clwyd West): How does the Minister’s Department monitor the implementation of the Service Development and Commissioning Directive for Chronic Non-Malignant Pain to ensure the 'Key Actions' identified are undertaken by Local Health Boards and other relevant bodies. (WAQ55125)

Answer issued on 18 November 2009

The National Leadership and Innovation Agency for Healthcare undertake an audit of progress against each of the actions specified in the Directives annually. Results from the September 2009 audit are currently being compiled and will be submitted to me shortly ahead of wider publication.