§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what funds will be available to provide a typical anti-psychotic drugs to those patients for whom they prove more effective and more acceptable. [94299]
§ Mr. HuttonThe National Health Service Modernisation Fund consists of £700 million over 3 years. As part of the first year targeted allocation of the fund (1999–2000), £2.5 million had been allocated for a typical anti-psychotics. Discussions are still under-way concerning allocation of the NHS Modernisation Fund for years 2 and 3.
§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if NICE intends to carry out an appraisal of the effectiveness of newer atypical anti-psychotics compared with older generation anti-psychotics. [94295]
§ Mr. HuttonWe are considering asking the National Institute for Clinical Excellence to look at all treatments for schizophrenia and similar conditions. In general, NICE clinical guidelines will give advice on the appropriate use of all therapies, including drug therapies.
§ Mrs. BrintonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when assessing the effectiveness of drugs such as anti-psychotics which are known to have major side effects, what account NICE will take of the preferences and experiences of the individuals taking the drugs. [94296]
§ Mr. HuttonIn appraising pharmaceuticals and other treatments, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence will need to assess carefully the evidence on both the intended therapeutic effects and any adverse effects of treatment. Representative patient organisations will be invited to submit evidence on these and other aspects and will have the opportunity to comment on guidance in draft.