Asked by: Rebecca Paul (Conservative - Reigate)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, whether he plans to review the list of conditions for exemption from prescription charges; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of including cystic fibrosis on that list.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
There are no current plans to review the list of medical conditions that entitle someone to apply for a medical exemption certificate. Approximately 89% of prescription items are dispensed free of charge in the community in England, and there is a wide range of exemptions from prescription charges already in place, for which those with cystic fibrosis may be eligible. Eligibility depends on the patient’s age, whether they are in qualifying full-time education, whether they are pregnant or have recently given birth, or whether they are in receipt of certain benefits or a war pension.
People on low incomes can apply for help with their health costs through the NHS Low Income Scheme. Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) are also available. PPCs allow people to claim as many prescriptions as they need for a set cost, with three-month and 12-month certificates available. The 12-month PPC can be paid for in instalments.
Asked by: Rebecca Paul (Conservative - Reigate)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Serious Shortage Protocols in place for Creon 10,000 and 25,000 capsules limiting prescriptions to one months’ supply; and what steps he is taking to ensure children with cystic fibrosis have access to that medication.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
The Department has been working with suppliers to address current supply issues with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT), including Creon, to help ensure patients, including children with cystic fibrosis, have access to this medicine. The supply issues are impacting countries throughout Europe and have been caused by limited availability of raw ingredients and manufacturing capacity constraints to produce volumes needed to meet demand.
The supplier of Creon has advised that there are regular deliveries of Creon 25000 and Creon 10000 scheduled for the remainder of the year in reduced quantities. Serious Shortage Protocols are in place for Creon 10000 and 25000 capsules, which pharmacists can use to restrict supply to one month at a time, to ensure more patients have access to it whilst stock is limited.
We have issued comprehensive guidance to healthcare professionals about these supply issues, which provides advice on how to manage patients whilst there is disruption to supply. In this guidance clinicians are asked to prioritise available stock of Creon 10000 for patients unable to take Creon 25000, to help ensure Creon 10000 remains available for those on lower doses or unable to swallow larger capsules, such as children with cystic fibrosis. This guidance is being kept under review and updates will be made as necessary.
The Department is continuing to work with all suppliers of PERT to help resolve the wider supply issues in the short and longer term. This includes asking that they expedite deliveries, source stock from other markets, and increase production.
The issues are mainly impacting Creon 25000 and Creon 10000 presentations, however there was a recent short term supply issue with Creon Micro, which is used in children. This issue was a result of an increased demand due to the issues with other PERT presentations and a delay in the resupply date. The Department worked quickly to issue communications to health care professionals with management advice to ensure patients who needed Creon Micro had access to it. The supply issue with Creon Micro is now resolved.
Asked by: Rebecca Paul (Conservative - Reigate)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to improve the Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust Estate; and whether he plans to build a new Specialist and Emergency Care hospital in Sutton.
Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
We recognise the need for investment in National Health Service estates across the country, including at Epsom and St. Helier. We will provide the investment and reform needed to get patients the care they deserve.
As my Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced, and as subsequently confirmed in my Rt hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement on 29 July 2024, we will be undertaking a full and comprehensive review of the New Hospital Programme to provide a realistic and costed timetable for delivery.