Funeral Directors: Regulatory Regime
Lord Brennan of Canton Excerpts(2Â weeks, 5Â days ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Baroness Merron (Lab)
I cannot give a detailed reply to my noble friend, much as I would love to, but I will be glad to look into that and write to him. The main thing to say is that, in all this work, our focus is on the security and dignity of people after death across a wide range of settings. That is what will guide us.
Lord Brennan of Canton (Lab)
My Lords, it is quite shocking that, in this third decade of the 21st century, there are currently no minimum standards of care for the deceased, and there is no system of statutory professional regulation or duty of care to a person after they have died. Is it the Government’s intention that those matters should be covered in the regulations they intend to bring forward?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
I can assure my noble friend that that is indeed what will guide us.
Prostate Cancer: National Screening Programme
Lord Brennan of Canton Excerpts(1Â year, 7Â months ago)
Lords ChamberRead Full debate Read Hansard Text Watch Debate Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Baroness Merron (Lab)
The advice and guidance is that GPs should counsel asymptomatic men about the potential benefits and harms of PSA testing, so that they can make an informed decision. However, the guidance is that GPs should not proactively offer a PSA test, for the reasons that we have covered. That is why we are investing in this trial, to find a better test so that we can address this. This is a complex area, as often it is, but we are making progress, as I have already outlined.
Lord Brennan of Canton (Lab)
My Lords, it is very welcome that new diagnostic tests are being investigated. However, can we be careful not to give out the wrong message? I was diagnosed with prostate cancer—and I was completely symptomless—thanks to the PSA test. In giving out that message, can we make it clear that GPs should not stop men getting a PSA test, even when they are symptomless, if they are at the right age and in the right bracket?
Baroness Merron (Lab)
I certainly agree with my noble friend. As he knows from his experience, tests are available. The point is that they should be used in the right situation. As he knows, one of the issues is people being asymptomatic, which is why it is very important that men take note of their health and report any change or concerns that they have.