This story was first published in digitalhealth.net
Gething backs improved access to medicine system
Welsh Health Secretary Vaughan Gething has backed an independent review of the Individual Patient Funding Request (IPFR), which makes decisions on access to treatments that are not routinely available for individual patients.
The review was established in July 2016 with a focus on considering the ‘clinical exceptionality’ decision making criteria for IPFR and the scope to reduce the number of IPFR panels in Wales. The review was centred around patient perspective.
“My approach to this review has been to be open, inclusive and transparent from the outset involving all political parties, the public and the NHS in Wales.
“I’m pleased that the consensus is that this is a helpful piece of work that makes thoughtful and pragmatic recommendations that will help health boards deal with what are sensitive and very often complex decisions. I am particularly pleased that the patient voice has centre stage in the report.
“I have written to all of the health boards to confirm the implementation of the recommendations by September.
“I believe the recommendations in this report, when implemented, will have a positive impact on the IPFR process. It will make the system more easily understandable and less prone to being misused. Something I’m sure the people of Wales will welcome.”
Responding to the official backing, Rhun Ap Iorwerth, Plaid Cymru's health spokesman, said: "Securing this review was important for hundreds of patients who have to go through this process each year but now is the time for delivery on the changes recommended.
"Replacing the unfair 'exceptionality' test with a 'significant clinical benefit' test will help more patients obtain the treatment they need."
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