§ Mr. Paul MarsdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what information his Department has collated on the availability of Epoetin to treat anaemia in renal disease in England; and if he will make a statement; [6493]
- (2) what methods his Department uses to monitor access to Epoetin by patients who require treatment for anaemia in renal disease in England; [6494]
- (3) what assessment his Department has made of the role of Epoetin in treating anaemia in renal disease; [6492]
- (4) what assessment his Department has made of the importance of treating anaemia in renal diseases; and if he will make a statement. [6491]
§ Jacqui SmithThere is much published information to show that the successful treatment of anaemia in renal disease can improve patients' well-being and their quality of life. The majority of renal patients require epoetin to attain recommended haemoglobin levels. Data on the availability of epoetin are collected in surveys commissioned by the Department of Health. The last survey was conducted in 1998 and the results were published last year in the 3rd annual report from the United 1046W Kingdom Renal Registry (copies available in the Library). This showed that 74 per cent. of all dialysis patients were being prescribed epoetin.