HC Deb 26 November 1990 vol 181 cc296-7W
Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what information he has about the number of renal patients who satisfy the criteria of the Renal Association of Great Britain, and approved by his Department for treatment with Erythropoietin; and what percentage are receiving it.

Mr. Dorrell

This information is not collected centrally.

Mr. Win Griffiths

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much additional money he has made available to health authorities for the newly approved drug Erythropoietin to be prescribed and what estimate he has made of the number of renal patients who will be treated as a result.

Mr. Dorrell

Health authorities are expected to finance Erythropoietin from their main allocations. Like other new treatments, it is being introduced progressively across the health service and spending throughout the NHS is, of course, increased to cover such new treatments, and services. It is for each region to assess their patients' requirements for the drug and make appropriate plans to ensure that need is met.