NHS Hospitals: Apheresis

Debate between Baroness Merron and Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen

Wednesday 9th October 2024 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

Further to my answer to the noble Baroness, NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking to expand capacity in the way I outlined. It is probably worth going back to the point about the apheresis working group. It met for the first time last month to determine the extent of the capacity issues which we know exist. It will also be looking at who delivers what, how and for what uses. It will identify the issues in respect of workforce, machinery, finance and efficiency, and seek to come up with a recommendation. It will report in spring of next year, so we have a route forward.

[Baroness Chisholm of Owlpen (Non-Afl)]

Have the NHS and the Department of Health and Social Care had any discussions with independent health providers to see whether they have any free capacity that therapeutic apheresis could perhaps utilise?

[Baroness Merron (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness for raising that issue. I am sure it will be part of the working group’s investigations as it seeks to expand capacity to meet existing demand.