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Written question asked by Philippa Whitford (Scottish National Party) on Thursday, 23 March 2017, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 28 March 2017 (named day). It was answered by David Mowat (Conservative) on Tuesday, 28 March 2017 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Muscular Dystrophy: Medical Equipment

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps his Department is taking to encourage clinical commissioning groups to follow best practice commissioning policy on access to cough assist machines for people with muscle-wasting conditions.

Answer

The provision of cough assist machines is a matter for local clinical commissioning groups (CCGs). CCGs have the independence and autonomy to make commissioning decisions for local populations, taking into account the available evidence and individual circumstances as appropriate.

The evidence base to support the routine use of cough assist machines in muscle-wasting conditions over other cough assist methods is not well established. NHS England worked with Muscular Dystrophy UK through its Bridging the Gap project to address areas of concern raised by patients and their representatives, one of which was the provision of cough assist machines. Through this work, a number of CCGs developed commissioning policies which set out the circumstances in which to consider these devices. In addition, in February 2016 the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence published new guidance on the assessment and management of motor neurone disease, recommending that cough assist machines should be considered if assisted breath stacking is not effective, and/or during a respiratory tract infection.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
69050
Session
2016-17
Subjects
Medical equipment Muscular dystrophy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk