Asked by: Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to consult patients, clinicians and manufacturers on the categorisation of products available on Part IX of the Drug Tariff as proposed in the recent consultation paper; and what assessment they have made of the impact of the proposed changes to Drug Tariff Part IX on (1) patients with continence care needs, (2) continence care services, (3) the range of devices available to clinicians and patients, and (4) new product development and innovation in medical devices in the continence sector.
Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The consultation response on the proposed amendments to Part IX is expected to be released in May 2024, which will outline the Government’s response. Any amendments that are taken forward will happen gradually, with review points, and engagement with stakeholders, including industry, patient representatives, clinicians, and National Health Service organisations. The Department will share a timeline of the proposed changes taken forward in due course.
The Department believes that it is currently difficult to identify which devices are broadly comparable, and whether more expensive devices provide added value. The proposed amendments that were consulted on intend to increase meaningful choice, not to decrease choice for clinicians and patients. Comparison between products can increase awareness of different brands amongst prescribers, which can also support small and medium sized businesses in entering the market.
The Department is aware that there are some very good devices in use, relied upon by clinicians and patients. Part IX will remain a list of devices available to be prescribed in the community via the FP10 prescription route.
Asked by: Lord Hunt of Kings Heath (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish a timeline for the implementation of the proposed changes to Drug Tariff Part IX; provide the definition of "quality" that will be used as part of the enhanced assessment process included in those proposed changes; and publish in full the responses received to that consultation.
Answered by Lord Markham - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The consultation response on the proposed amendments to Part IX is expected to be released in May 2024, which will outline the Government’s response. Any amendments that are taken forward will happen gradually, with review points, and engagement with stakeholders, including industry, patient representatives, clinicians, and National Health Service organisations. The Department will share a timeline of the proposed changes taken forward in due course.
The Department believes that it is currently difficult to identify which devices are broadly comparable, and whether more expensive devices provide added value. The proposed amendments that were consulted on intend to increase meaningful choice, not to decrease choice for clinicians and patients. Comparison between products can increase awareness of different brands amongst prescribers, which can also support small and medium sized businesses in entering the market.
The Department is aware that there are some very good devices in use, relied upon by clinicians and patients. Part IX will remain a list of devices available to be prescribed in the community via the FP10 prescription route.