§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what recent representations he has received about Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; and what provision exists in the NHS for specialist clinical and research facilities for this condition;. [135880]
(2) what recent discussions he has had with the Minister of Health in the Welsh Assembly about provision for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. [136384]
Mr. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about the NHS' s treatment of sufferers of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. [136998]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Department has received recent correspondence about the Connective Tissue Genetics Group (CTGG), which is based at the Institute of Medical Genetics in Cardiff.
The provision of treatment for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome patients is part of the responsibility of health authorities who must make arrangements for the health of their population as they are closest to the people they serve and so best placed to respond sensitively to their needs.
There have been no recent discussions with the Minister of Health in the Welsh Assembly about EDS services. The National Specialist Commissioning Advisory Group (NSCAG) advises health ministers in England on the identification and funding of services where central intervention into local commissioning of patient services is necessary. NSCAG is working closely with the Specialised Health Services Commission (SHSC) for Wales to consider a national clinical EDS service that includes services of all current providers.
The Medical Research Council (MRC) has been providing research funding to the CTGG as a five year programme grant that is due to be completed in November 2000. The MRC would consider any new application for further research funding from CTGG. The MRC always welcomes high quality applications for support and these are judged in open competition with other demands on funding. Awards are made according to their scientific quality and importance to human health.