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Diabetes: Medical Equipment

Answer

Freestyle Libre, the flash glucose monitoring system was included in Part IX of the England and Wales Drug Tariff from November 2017. People with diabetes insipidus or diabetes mellitus (except where treatment is by diet alone) - which includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes - are eligible for free National Health Service prescriptions if they hold a valid medical exemption certificate. However, patients will need to discuss the ongoing management of their condition with their healthcare professional and consider what is most suitable for them.

Within its financial constraints, the NHS is committed to providing access to new drugs and medical technologies. Ultimately it is for clinical commissioning groups (CCGs), who are primarily responsible for commissioning diabetes services, to meet the requirements of their population. In doing so, CCGs need to ensure that the services they provide are fit for purpose, reflect the needs of the local population and are based on the available evidence and take into account national guidelines.

Reducing variation in the management and care of people with diabetes by 2020 is an objective included in the NHS England mandate. The NHS RightCare diabetes pathway shows the core components of an optimal diabetes service, as well as evidence of the opportunity to reduce variation. People with diabetes insipidus or diabetes mellitus (except where treatment is by diet alone) - which includes type 1 and type 2 diabetes - are eligible for free NHS prescriptions if they hold a valid medical exemption certificate.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

HL5915

Session

2017-19

Grouped for answer

Yes

Subjects

Diabetes Finance Medical equipment

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk