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Written question asked by Lord Sharkey (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 24 April 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 9 May 2025. It was answered by Baroness Merron (Labour) on Wednesday, 30 April 2025 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.


Rare Diseases: National Clinical Directors

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will appoint a National Clinical Director for Rare Diseases following the integration of NHS England into the Department of Health and Social Care.

Answer

Working under the UK Rare Diseases Framework, the Government is committed to improving the lives of those living with rare diseases. NHS England and the Department are strongly supportive of clinical leadership and recognise the critical need to incorporate clinical expertise into our work. The national clinical directors are a key part of this approach and play an important role in policy development and implementation.

We are currently in the initial phases of scoping and designing a new integrated Department that aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our healthcare system. As part of this process, we are carefully considering the future role of national clinical directors. While no specific decisions have been made yet, we are open to considering the benefit of appointing a National Clinical Director for Rare Diseases following the integration of NHS England into the Department, subject to funding arrangements.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL6857
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Rare diseases NHS England National clinical directors
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk