HL Deb 27 January 2003 vol 643 cc131-2WA
Lord Dubs

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many prescribing centres there are for multiple sclerosis modifying drugs in the North West London Strategic Health Authority; and what plans there are to expand the number of such centres. [HL1052]

Lord Hunt of Kings Heath

The designation of centres is a matter for local agreement. The eight primary care trusts (PCTs) in North West London have been funding beta-interferon and glatiramer for relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis for many years. The two main neurology centres to which patients are referred are at Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust (Charing Cross) and the National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queens Square (Part of University College London Hospital NHS Trust). Due to historical referral patterns and the proximity of many trusts in central London, patients are also being treated by Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, Royal Free Hospital, North West London Hospitals Trust and Guys & St Thomas' Hospital.

The North West London Strategic Health Authority is working with PCTs and trusts to ensure that all centres are registered to supply recommended treatments.