HC Deb 10 June 2002 vol 386 c1111W
Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what guidelines are in place for the appointment of MS nurses. [59216]

Jacqui Smith

There are no formal central guidelines in place for the appointment of multiple sclerosis (MS) nurses. The development and funding of specialist nursing posts to treat specific conditions such as MS is for primary care trusts, in partnership with other local stakeholders, to determine.

Health Service Circular HSC 2002–004 on the 'Cost effective provision of disease modifying therapies for people with multiple sclerosis' does, however, contain some guidance on the funding of MS nurses as they relate to that scheme.

Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects that the NICE guidelines on MS services will be issued. [59217]

Jacqui Smith

The National Institute for Clinical Excellence currently expects to issue its clinical guideline on multiple sclerosis services in June 2003.