Health and Social Care

Tuesday 20th December 2022 Ministerial Corrections

Strep A Treatments: Supply

The following is an extract from the urgent question on the supply of strep A treatments on 19 December 2022.

[Stella Creasy (Walthamstow) (Lab/Co-op)]

I think the Minister’s definition of a “shortage” is different from that of parents. One parent in my constituency got in touch with me last week. She was a local mum of a 13-month-old boy who has been diagnosed with strep A. After a frantic search for antibiotics—during which the doctors changed the prescription—she managed, in her desperation, to get a third of the necessary prescription. Since then she has been trying pharmacies repeatedly to get the remainder. Today, she runs out, and she still does not have the drugs that she needs. What is the Minister’s message for that mum trying to keep that little boy safe?

[Maria Caulfield]

We recognise that there are supply issues with pharmacies. That is why pharmacists have had the flexibility since before last week to adjust doses and preparations. Since Friday they have also been able to issue alternative antibiotics. I would say to the hon. Lady’s constituent to go back to her pharmacist, who will be able to give her an alternative supply.

[Official Report, 19 December 2022, Vol. 725, c. 28.]

Letter of correction from the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the hon. Member for Lewes (Maria Caulfield):

An error has been identified in the response given to the hon. Member for Walthamstow (Stella Creasy) in the urgent question on the supply of strep A treatments.

The correct response should have been:

[Maria Caulfield]

We recognise that there are supply issues with pharmacies. That is why pharmacists have had the flexibility since early last week to give different formulations. Since Friday they have also been able to issue alternative antibiotics. I would say to the hon. Lady’s constituent to go back to her pharmacist, who will be able to give her an alternative supply.