§ Mr. Pickthall:To ask the Secretary of State for Health what (a) research effort and (b) clinical specialism is provided by the NHS to help sufferers from Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome; and if he will make a statement. [131441]
§ Dr. Ladyman:The Department keeps its priorities for research under review. Priorities for departmental research and development support for the development of policy are determined through discussion with policy colleagues and Ministers. In the national health service, priorities are identified through widespread consultation with those using, delivering and managing services. They take account of the burden of disease, potential benefits and departmental objectives, as well as the responsibilities and work of other funders—including the charities.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) is not currently funding any research into Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, though it does fund a number of research projects into connective tissue and also into collagen physiology. The MRC always welcomes high quality applications for support into any aspect of human health and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.
The provision of treatment for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome patients is part of the responsibility of health authorities. They must make arrangements for the health of their populations, as they are closest to the people they serve and so best placed to respond sensitively to their needs. People with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have access to a range of specialists depending on the individual diagnosis. These include orthopaedic surgeons, rheumatologists, cardiologists, vascular surgeons, neurosurgeons, dermatologists and clinical geneticists.