Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether the apheresis working group plans to consult external stakeholders, including patient organisations and the life sciences industry, prior to publishing the apheresis review.

The apheresis working group was established in 2024 to provide independent advice to the Department on issues around apheresis capacity and the resilience of the United Kingdom’s stem cell supply. Membership includes the UK aligned stem cell registry, health professionals, and service providers. Stakeholder views have been captured through member organisations, including the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult and blood cancer charities, and industry representatives have also been invited to present at meetings of the group.

There are no plans to consult external stakeholders prior to the publication of the group’s review of apheresis capacity. The group will look at options for formalising feedback following publication.