Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what consideration they have given to support for people living with long-term conditions such as cystic fibrosis, following the publication of the report Your life and CF by the Cystic Fibrosis Trust on 6 June, which found that one in five people affected by that condition missed a hospital appointment in the past 12 months due to cost.

People with long term conditions such as cystic fibrosis who are eligible for financial assistance through the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme can claim a refund of reasonable travel costs. Travel expenses should be calculated by reference to the cheapest means of transport that is reasonable for the patient. This can include journeys made in a private vehicle.

To help alleviate cost pressures associated with travel for appointments, NHS England is supporting NHS providers to embed, spread and use video consultations innovatively across their services. The decision on whether an appointment needs to take place face-to-face, on video or by telephone will be made by an expert clinician based on patients’ individual care needs and preferences.