Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the availability of augmentative and alternative communication aids for sufferers of motor neurone disease in (a) East Lancashire and (b) the North West.

Since April 1 2013 NHS England has been responsible for commissioning Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) aids for patients with complex disability whose needs require specialised assessment, including for patients with motor neurone disease (MND). Commissioning of non-specialised AAC aids is the responsibility of local clinical commissioning groups.

NHS England has published a service specification for specialised AAC aids that sets out what should be in place for providers to offer evidence-based, safe and effective services and supports equity of access to a nationally consistent, high quality service for patients across the country including in East Lancashire and the North West. The specification can be found at:

www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/d01-com-dis-equ-alt-aug-comm-aids.pdf

NHS England has identified an additional £22.5 million funding for AAC and Environmental Controls in 2014-15. They have been working closely with the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA) to ensure this funding is equitably distributed across England in a fair and consistent manner. The MNDA are representing all patients on the panel which is reviewing this funding allocation.