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Written question asked by Theresa Villiers (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 November 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 November 2023. It was answered by Will Quince (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 November 2023 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Ferric Maltol: Chipping Barnet

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, if he will take steps to ensure that Ferric Maltol is available on prescription to people in Chipping Barnet constituency.

Answer

Clinicians can prescribe any product on the National Health Service they consider necessary for the treatment of their patient unless it is listed in Schedules 1 or 2 to the NHS (General Medical Services Contracts) (Prescription of Drugs etc.) Regulations 2004. Ferric Maltol is not listed in Schedules 1 or 2; however, NHS guidance is that vitamins and minerals should not be routinely prescribed except for when a patient has a medically diagnosed deficiency. This includes those patients who may have a lifelong or chronic condition or have undergone surgery that results in malabsorption. Ferric Maltol, which may be used to treat iron deficiency, may therefore be prescribed to patients, including those in Chipping Barnet constituency, on that basis.

It is for the general practitioner or other responsible clinician to work with their patient and decide on the course of treatment, with the provision of the most clinically appropriate care for the individual always being the primary consideration. Clinicians are responsible for making prescribing decisions for their patients, considering best prescribing practice and the local commissioning decisions of their respective integrated care board.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
104
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Chipping Barnet Ferric maltol
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk