The Leader of the Welsh Conservatives in the Assembly, Andrew RT Davies AM, has condemned the Welsh Government’s handling of applications for NHS treatment via ‘exceptional funding’.
Despite first being discussed in 2009, All-Wales guidance on the issue still hasn’t been introduced.
Welsh patients can make applications to receive treatments not approved for use by the NHS through exceptional funding committees. This can cover a range of medication that has not been approved by NICE or AWMSG, often for cost reasons – and often includes cancer medicines which can prolong life.
In a letter to Mr Davies, Cardiff and Vale UHB’s Chief Executive said the policy will not be in place until next month.
Last year, the previous Health Minister said she expected to receive a draft All-Wales policy in October 2010.
Mr Davies said, “It is absolutely shameful that after two and a half years Wales still has no uniform approach on exceptional funding.
“The government’s laziness in producing national guidance has led to little support for clinicians and a scandalous postcode lottery for patients.
“People applying for treatment are getting different responses dependent upon where they live. That means a cancer patient in one part of Wales could conceivably obtain a life prolonging drug that is not available in a different area.
“That is both very wrong and hugely upsetting for those affected.
“While I welcome the fact that we now appear to be nearing the publication of guidance, for many patients it is simply too late.
“This has been mused on for well over two years and during that time health boards have been left with no co-operation or backing from the government.
“Why has this guidance taken so long? Why does there appear to be such a flagrant disregard for patients who want treatment?”
Shadow Minister for Health, Darren Millar AM, said: “The government’s farcical approach to exceptional funding also highlights the need for a cancer drugs fund in Wales.
“The First Minister has repeatedly refused to consider a scheme that was introduced in England last year and is already helping patients across the country.
“Yet again – Wales is lumped with a postcode lottery thanks to Labour’s ham-fisted management of our NHS.
“The commitment to provide guidance on exceptional funding must be honoured immediately and I expect all health boards to receive it next month – at the very latest.”
