Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Julian Sturdy and Matt Hancock

Tuesday 23rd October 2018 Commons Chamber

[Julian Sturdy (York Outer) (Con)]

14. What plans the Government have to improve access to innovative treatments and technologies in the NHS.

[The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Matt Hancock)]

We are bringing a tech revolution to the NHS to improve patient outcomes and reduce waste. Today I am delighted to announce the selection of the first batch of products under the accelerated access collaborative, as well as funding for tech test beds to ensure that more patients get faster access to the most effective innovations.

[Matt Hancock]

The tech test beds programme is about ensuring that we have units around the country that will support local collaborations between the NHS, tech companies and academia to harness new technologies right across the land, including—and no doubt—in Cornwall.

[Julian Sturdy]

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence has so far declined to recommend the new drug Spinraza, despite its ability to transform the lives of patients such as my young constituent Matilda Jamieson, who suffers from type 3 spinal muscular atrophy. As NICE meets today to finalise the guidance, will my right hon. Friend assure me that he will work with the manufacturers, NHS England and NICE to ensure that patients such as Matilda can benefit from that drug?