Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford - CROSS BORDER DRUGS ISSUE ALARMING

10.53.43pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 9th Sep 2005

Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford, was astonished to learn that certain NHS treatments are being confined to certain areas of the country and not made available to the entire population. Two treatments in particular have been highlighted - Velcade for cancer patients with multiple myeloma and Humira for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Both treatments are available to patients in Wales but across the border in England guidance from the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence [NICE] is still awaited to allow clinicians to use the treatment on the NHS.

"I am appalled that there should be any disparity in available treatments," Mr Keetch said.

"Devolution is one thing but provision of healthcare should be common throughout the UK. Patients from Wales are treated at Hereford's County Hospital, in my constituency, without restriction - this surely should apply to all available treatments regardless of place of residence. If English patients are being treated in Wales or Scotland they can benefit from these drugs now. Others should certainly not be disadvantaged simply because NICE have not provided guidance and funding is restricted.

"Quality of people's lives is being affected by this situation. I personally know of two of my constituents who are likely to benefit from these drugs who have contacted me recently regarding their treatment simply by coincidence. It is really quite outrageous. I will be pressing the Secretary of State to take this further," the MP added.