Written question WQ83911
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 5 days
Question
What steps is the Welsh Government taking in partnership with clinicians to improve prescription rates for pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
I expect services to be delivered in line with the quality standard for pancreatic cancer from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE):
Quality statement 4: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy | Pancreatic cancer | Quality standards | NICE
In support of this, the Wales Cancer Network has disseminated advice on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to primary and community care staff, as well as hospitals and specialist cancer centres. In addition, PERT is included in the recently developed National Pancreatic Optimal Pathway. This is a nationally agreed pathway of care for people with pancreatic cancer; part of the wider Single Cancer Pathway programme. It has been developed by pancreatic cancer specialists but supported by the wider cancer community, including those in primary and community care. It will encourage access to timely, high quality care, where patients are supported in the right way across the cancer pathway.