§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients per million population benefited from the use of stents in(a) the UK and (b) each other EU country; and if he will make a statement. [61955]
§ Ms BlearsThe Department does not collect data on the number of patients who received stents. In 2000–01, the number of percutaneous transluminal artery angioplasties carried out in national health service hospitals in England was 25,698. It is estimated that about 80 per cent. of these procedures would have included the use of stents.
Figures from other European Union countries are not available on a directly comparable basis. Information about operations undertaken in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are the responsibility of their own Administrations.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects NICE will complete its assessment on drug eluting stents; and if he will make a statement. [61957]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence is responsible for determining the detailed timetable for the appraisal topics referred to it. We have not yet been informed when its guidance on drug eluting stents will be available.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what representations he has received regarding the provision of drug eluting stents; and if he will make a statement. [61956]
§ Ms BlearsMy right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State has received no representations regarding the provision of drug eluting stents.
§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of how many patients would benefit from the use of drug eluting stents; and if he will make a statement. [61954]
§ Ms BlearsThe National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidance on the use of stents in May 2000. This guidance is due for review in April 2003. The Department referred drug eluting stents to NICE on 20 May 2002.
NICE will provide evidence-based advice to the national health service in England and Wales on the clinical and cost effectiveness of drug eluting stents compared to 'bare' stents, and on their appropriate use.
§ Mr. BurstowTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what cost benefit analysis his Department has undertaken of bare stents compared to drug eluting stents. [61362]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 17 June 2002]: The National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) issued guidance on the use of stents in May 2000. This guidance is due for review in April 2003. The Department referred drug eluting stents to NICE on 20 May 2002.
440WNICE will provide evidence-based advice to the national health service in England and Wales on the clinical and cost effectiveness of drug eluting stents compared to 'bare' stents, and on their appropriate use.