Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, when NHS England will take up responsibility for the commissioning of specialised services for the treatment and care of people with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) once the definitions have been standardised; what steps he is taking to improve care and treatment for people in England with HoFH; and if he will make a statement.

We understand that NHS England will take responsibility for the commissioning of services for homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia patients from 1 April 2015. The national commissioning of this service will clearly define what NHS England expects to be in place for providers to offer evidence-based, safe and effective services. This should ensure equity of access to a nationally consistent, high quality service for patients.