§ Mr. BlunkettTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if she will list in full the facilities for bone marrow treatment within the NHS in London; and what plans she has for the future of such facilities;
(2) if she will provide additional funding to help secure the necessary treatment for sufferers of Batten's disease; and if she will make a statement;
(3) what steps she is taking to protect the bone marrow unit at the Westminster children's hospital; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe expect health authorities, when deciding upon the allocation of resources in the national health service, to give proper consideration to funding appropriate treatment for patients suffering from Batten's disease.
The care of children who had already started treatment at the bone marrow transplant unit of the Westminster children's hospital will be transferred to the new Chelsea and Westminster hospital in the next few weeks. Alternative arrangements for treatment will be found for children not yet treated, who are suitable for transplantation and where matched donors have been identified and agreed.
There are a number of other facilities in London for bone marrow transplant treatment which include Great 591W Ormond Street and Hammersmith hospitals. The provision of these facilities is a matter for local discussion between relevant professionals, health authorities and providers.