§ Lady HermonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps he is taking to increase provision for multiple sclerosis sufferers in(a) North Down and (b) Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement. [161888]
§ Angela SmithOver 500 patients in Northern Ireland are receiving beta interferon treatment and there are around 65 on the waiting list. These figures include 198 patients receiving beta interferon in the Eastern Health and Social Services Board area, with funding available for a further 12 patients.
Additional £100,000 recurrent funding was provided last year to boost the Northern Ireland infrastructure for the delivery of these medicines, including the appointment of additional pharmacists, technician support and specialist nurses who are now in post. Additional consultants have been appointed and Regional joint medical/nursing clinics are also being set up. The Ulster Hospital, covering the North Down area, is working with the Royal Victoria Hospital to develop a joint plan for a shared additional consultant neurologist post. A consultation service for multiple sclerosis patients is expected to be up and running there within the next 12 months.