§ Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what his policy is with respect to promoting alternatives to surgery for arthritic knee conditions; and if he will make a statement. [69064]
§ Jacqui SmithThe ultimate responsibility for deciding what treatment is best for an individual patient rests with health professionals, who in consultation with the patient, are required to exercise their clinical judgment. These decisions can be complex and may need to take account of a range of factors; chief among these must be the ability of the patient to benefit from the treatment proposed. Non-surgical treatments for arthritis include the new drugs, infliximab (Remicade) and etanecerpt (Enbrel) which were recently approved by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence.
The importance of good arthritis services, particularly for the health and well being of older people is recognised in the national service framework for older people.