HC Deb 13 December 1990 vol 182 c507W
Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if his Department will take steps to ascertain whether any consultants employed in regional specialty units funded by his Department are prevented from presenting the drugs of their choice to patients because of financial constraints.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

Except where central guidance may be issued, this is a matter for the appropriate managing health authorities.

Mr. Gareth Wardell

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if regional specialty renal units in Wales may prescribe the drug Erythropoietin to any patient that the consultant considers appropriate without financial constraint.

Mr. Nicholas Bennett

Under the new management and financial arrangements which will come into effect from 1 April 1991 it will be for individual health authorities to determine appropriate arrangements relating to the prescription of drugs. In the meantime, funds have been made available to those health authorities responsible for main renal units in Wales to assist with the additional cost of providing Erythropoietin where this is considered clinically necessary.

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