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NHS Patients (Access to Medicines)

Today's announcement is very welcome. I thank the Secretary of State and Professor Richards for our constructive meetings. Let me also briefly pay tribute to my constituent Mr. Brian O'Boyle. He had the courage to speak openly about the death of his wife, which helped to spark off the process and the review. The announcement is positive for two reasons. First, it ends the obscene threat that NHS care could be withdrawn from patients simply because they wished to access care that was not available on the NHS. Secondly, it will, I hope, act as a catalyst to widen access to beneficial treatment for cancer patients. May I, however, press the Secretary of State on the issue of continuity of care? Can he put my mind at rest by assuring me that the separate care to which he referred will not involve sending patients halfway across town to have their private care administered? I am sure he will agree that continuity of care is important, given that some drugs need to be administered concurrently, and given the condition of many patients.