§ Sandra GidleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what his Department's most recent guidance is regarding use of insulin pumps; [149845]
(2) how many health authorities provide funding for insulin pump therapy. [149844]
§ Ms StuartThere has been no comprehensive evaluation of the place of insulin pumps in diabetes treatment. The Department has not issued specific guidance on their use.
However, if resources allow, hospital consultants may prescribe equipment such as insulin pumps as part of National Health Service treatment. Health authorities may provide such equipment, prescribed as part of NHS treatment, either permanently or on loan, and in these circumstances no charge may be made. It is for health authorities to make decisions about the best use of their resources on the basis of clinical priorities and local needs.
No information is collected centrally on which health authorities provide funding for insulin pump therapy.