Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 1 December 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 December 2004. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 December 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, how many patients are waiting to commence anti-TNF medications in the Province. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many patients are waiting to commence anti-TNF medications in the Province. [202594] Angela Smith: Figures collected between September and December 2004 indicate that there are 422 people in Northern Ireland waiting to commence treatment with anti-TNF medications. My Department remains committed to improving access to anti-TNFs and other specialist medicines. A further £1 million was earmarked for anti-TNF drugs in 2004-05 to allow Boards to increase the number of patients receiving anti-TNF treatment by at least 100.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 202594; 428 c608-9W
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Medical treatments Northern Ireland Prescription drugs Waiting lists Arthritis
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk