Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if his Department will make an assessment of whether a clinical guideline on care for people who have Huntington's disease is needed.
Answered by James Morris
There are no national guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Huntingdon’s disease. The Department has made no assessment on the clinical guideline on care for people who have Huntington's disease. However, the neuropsychiatry service specification is in development, which when finalised, will outline the multi-disciplinary approach to caring for patients with complex neurological conditions including Huntington’s Disease who require specialised assessment and mental health support.
NHS England’s neuroscience transformation programme (NSTP) is developing a number of optimal pathways for neurology services which includes Huntington's disease. Following extensive stakeholder engagement, the NSTP is developing a new definition for ‘specialised’ neurology and a model for neurology services. This will make it easier for integrated care systems (ICSs) to reduce the inequalities of access and bring specialist knowledge and skills into the patient pathway much earlier. It will help speed up the process for initial diagnosis for patients and whenever specialist interventions are indicated along a patient journey, enable that to be made available closer to the patient rather than predominantly at the specialist centres.
The Government remains committed to achieving parity between mental and physical health services and to reducing mental health inequalities with investment in National Health Service mental health services continuing to increase from almost £11 billion in 2015/16 to £15 billion in 2021/22. While no assessment has been made for people with Huntington’s disease, there is work underway to review the Clinical Genomic Service Specification which includes the need to strengthen access to mental health support services. The revised specification will be subject to public consultation before receiving final approval. The NSTP includes developing optimal pathways for neurology services, which also includes common principles regarding access to appropriate timely mental health support.
In the last five years, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has funded two studies into Huntington’s disease with a total award value of £316,267 and supported the delivery of 39 studies relating to Huntington’s disease via the Clinical Research Network infrastructure. The Government has also committed to invest at least £375 million in neurodegenerative disease research over the next five years to fund projects into a range of diseases, including Huntington’s disease.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that Integrated Care Systems are able to meet the care and support needs of people who have Huntington's disease.
Answered by James Morris
There are no national guidelines for the diagnosis and management of Huntingdon’s disease. The Department has made no assessment on the clinical guideline on care for people who have Huntington's disease. However, the neuropsychiatry service specification is in development, which when finalised, will outline the multi-disciplinary approach to caring for patients with complex neurological conditions including Huntington’s Disease who require specialised assessment and mental health support.
NHS England’s neuroscience transformation programme (NSTP) is developing a number of optimal pathways for neurology services which includes Huntington's disease. Following extensive stakeholder engagement, the NSTP is developing a new definition for ‘specialised’ neurology and a model for neurology services. This will make it easier for integrated care systems (ICSs) to reduce the inequalities of access and bring specialist knowledge and skills into the patient pathway much earlier. It will help speed up the process for initial diagnosis for patients and whenever specialist interventions are indicated along a patient journey, enable that to be made available closer to the patient rather than predominantly at the specialist centres.
The Government remains committed to achieving parity between mental and physical health services and to reducing mental health inequalities with investment in National Health Service mental health services continuing to increase from almost £11 billion in 2015/16 to £15 billion in 2021/22. While no assessment has been made for people with Huntington’s disease, there is work underway to review the Clinical Genomic Service Specification which includes the need to strengthen access to mental health support services. The revised specification will be subject to public consultation before receiving final approval. The NSTP includes developing optimal pathways for neurology services, which also includes common principles regarding access to appropriate timely mental health support.
In the last five years, the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) has funded two studies into Huntington’s disease with a total award value of £316,267 and supported the delivery of 39 studies relating to Huntington’s disease via the Clinical Research Network infrastructure. The Government has also committed to invest at least £375 million in neurodegenerative disease research over the next five years to fund projects into a range of diseases, including Huntington’s disease.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his planned timetable is for making a decision on the use of Evusheld following conclusion of UKHSA testing.
Answered by Maggie Throup
AstraZeneca commissioned the UK Health Strategic Authority to conduct studies into the effectiveness of Evusheld against the Omicron variants. Initial data has been shared with AstraZeneca. The Department is also assessing Evusheld through requesting advice from clinicians on the most appropriate option for the National Health Service in line with available data, the public health situation and other treatments available. While we expect to receive clinical advice shortly we are unable to confirm a specific timetable.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what his timeframe is for the procurement of Evusheld in the event that that drug is made available for use in the NHS.
Answered by Maggie Throup
The Department is currently conducting its assessment of Evusheld, which includes advice from clinicians in line with available data, the public health situation and other treatments available. While we expect to receive clinical advice shortly, we are unable to confirm a specific timetable.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department has taken to fund research into intra-nasal covid-19 vaccines.
Answered by Maggie Throup
The Department commissions research through the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). The NIHR and UK Research and Innovation have co-funded rapid research on nasal administration of vaccines. Approximately £580,000 was awarded to Imperial College London for a study on the safety and lower airway immunogenicity of two candidate COVID-19 vaccines administered to the respiratory tract. Additionally, the NIHR is providing infrastructure support to two phase one studies in this area, including the study at Imperial College London. The NIHR welcomes funding applications for research into any aspect of human health, including intra-nasal COVID-19 vaccines.
Asked by: Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party - Central Ayrshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether the Government plans to introduce folic acid fortification of grains and staple foods at the recommended level of 1mg/100g, 10 ppm.
Answered by Maggie Throup
The level of folic acid to be added to non-wholewheat flour is being consulted on as part of the Bread and Flour Regulations review. A final decision on the required level of fortification will follow consideration of the consultation responses alongside advice from relevant expert committees.