Written question asked by Harriet Cross (Conservative) on Tuesday, 15 October 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 17 October 2024. It was answered by Karin Smyth (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 October 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Respiratory Diseases: Drugs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the impact of current shortages in the supply of Salbutamol nebules on patients with respiratory conditions; and what steps his Department is taking to tackle procurement and supply chain issues to ensure continuity of supply.

Answer: Supply of salbutamol nebules, used to treat asthma, has now improved, although there may still be some short intermittent interruptions in supply experienced. We are working with NHS England to manage the supply issues and mitigate risks to patients. Communications have been issued to the National Health Service to provide management advice for all pharmacy teams and prescribers with information on alternative treatments that are available.

Secondary information