§ Mrs. EwingTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will fund the replacement of invasive procedures carried out in the course of spinal treatment with safer practices. [55041]
§ Mr. BoatengMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the methodology of choice in the investigation of spinal conditions; however, we have no plans to replace invasive procedures entirely. For some patients unsuitable for MRI invasive procedures may remain necessary. It is for clinicians to use their skill, knowledge and experience to weigh carefully the likely benefits of any treatment or procedure against the anticipated risk for the patient and, following discussion with the patient, to exercise their clinical judgment accordingly.