HC Deb 30 March 1983 vol 40 c329
3. Mr. Gourlay

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland when it is proposed that treatment for all types of diabetes will be provided in Scotland; and if he will make a statement.

The Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. John MacKay)

The treatment of diabetes, in all its usual forms, is provided in Scotland at teaching and district general hospitals and, where appropriate, by family doctors.

Mr. Gourlay

Is the Minister aware that my question refers to a 23 year-old constituent who suffers from a form of diabetes that is, as far as we know, the only such case in Scotland? If my constituent does not receive this treatment, which has already been tried unsuccessfully in Scotland, in Vienna, the cost to the health board will be thousands of pounds, because she will require regular hospital treatment costing £600 a week? Will the Minister reconsider this case and provide the money necessary to enable my constituent to live a normal life?

Mr. MacKay

This patient suffers from an extremely rare form of brittle diabetes, where only the new method currently being assessed in Vienna has any likelihood of controlling her insulin-sugar balance. National Health Service facilities are limited to the United Kingdom, and the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 does not enable the NHS to pay for a Scottish patient going abroad for treatment. I understand that funds are being provided by the friends of the hospital, the local rotary club and Fife health board endowment funds to allow the patient to go to Vienna. I hope that the treatment that she receives there will work.

Mr. Corrie

Is my hon. Friend aware that some distress has been caused to those who suffer from diabetes because of the non-availability of disposable syringes? Will he consider this problem, because many youngsters find it difficult to handle glass syringes and would find disposable syringes much easier?

Mr. MacKay

I have considered the problem on more than one occasion. For youngsters, disposable needles that are essential on medical grounds can be supplied through a hospital. If they were not, we would not be justified in diverting the necessary expenditure from other Health Service priorities to give disposable needles to every diabetic.