§ Mr. CameronTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what steps he is proposing to take to ensure that Infleximab/Remicade is made available on the NHS for all patients requiring this treatment; [174141]
(2) what steps he is taking to ensure that (a) Cherwell Vale Primary Care Trust and (b) other primary care trusts are operating in line with the National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines on the prescription by consultant rheumatologists of Infleximab/Remicade. [174142]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonNational health service bodies are under a statutory obligation to fund treatments recommended in National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) technology appraisals. We expect primary care trusts to meet their statutory obligations and strategic health authorities to follow up any allegations of non-compliance.
1384WHowever, clinicians may depart from the NICE guidance if, in their view, the circumstances of the individual patient justify doing so. But they will be held accountable, through clinical governance arrangements, for their clinical decisions.