Asked by: Baroness Griffin of Princethorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to remove the barriers to access to omaveloxolone for patients with Friedreich's ataxia; and what plans they have to establish an interim access pathway for eligible patients while reimbursement negotiations continue.
Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Unfortunately, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has so far been unable to evaluate omaveloxolone because the company responsible withdrew from the evaluation process last year. However, NICE stands ready to resume the process if the company decides to make a new submission.
In the interim, we are determined to ensure that all those suffering from this debilitating condition get the help and support that they need, and NHS England already provides a number of services to help individuals manage their symptoms, including speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.
Asked by: Baroness Griffin of Princethorpe (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to improve access to community equipment for disabled people throughout the UK.
Answered by Baroness Merron - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
Integrated community equipment services are critical to the provision of health and social care, supporting people in their homes, preventing avoidable admissions, and reducing delayed discharges.
Under various legislations, including the Care Act 2014, and the Children and Families Act 2014, local authorities have a statutory duty to ensure provision of disability aids and community equipment, to meet the assessed eligible needs of individuals who are resident in their area.
Local authorities should develop and maintain contingency plans in case of service disruption, working with local partners including integrated care boards.