§ Nick HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what access patients in the South West have to treatment that is in accordance with national standards282W for haemophilia care published in the National Service Specification for Haemophilia and Related Conditions in 2001; and if he will make a statement; [154576]
(2)what plans he has for the provision of a comprehensive care centre for haemophilia in the South West; and if he will make a statement. [154577]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonOur policy, "Shifting the Balance of Power", means that the local national health service has responsibility for planning and developing health services according to local needs and demands.
In 2001, The Haemophilia Alliance produced a National Service Specification for a service that allows people with haemophilia the best care that can be made available. The Government welcomed this model service specification, which sets out clear standards of care for patients with inherited bleeding disorders. NHS commissioners of haemophilia services will find the document an invaluable resource when planning and developing services for patients.
I understand that there are 10 haemophilia centres throughout the South West region, which provide a good range of services between them. The United Kingdom Haemophilia Centre Doctor's Organisation (UKHCDO) is the body responsible for designating comprehensive care centres, and I am informed that the haemophilia centre directors in the South West are in regular contact with the chair of the UKHCDO about the provision of services in the South West.
The following is a list of the Haemophilia Centres in the South West:
Bath, Bristol (Infirmary and Children's) for the Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire Strategic Health Authority (SHA) areaBournemouth/Poole, Dorchester, Taunton/Yeovil for the Dorset and Somerset SHA areaBarnstaple, Exeter, Plymouth, Torquay, Truro for the South West Peninsula SHA area.