Written question WQ88512
- Asked by
- Russell GeorgeConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Health and Social Services
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 11 days
Question
What steps is the Welsh Government taking to support the Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee in securing the expansion of CAR-T treatment centres for patients across Wales?
Answer
Answered by Minister for Health and Social Services
I recognise the importance of access to Advanced Therapeutic Medicinal Products (ATMPs) such as Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. The Welsh Health Specialised Services Committee is responsible for commissioning this service on behalf of health boards in Wales.
The commissioning policies include equitable access and can be found at:
Specialised Services Policy Position: PP185
whssc.nhs.wales/commissioning/whssc-policies/cancer/chimeric-antigen-receptor-t-cell-car-t-therapy-policy-position-statement-pp185-april-2023/
Specialised Services Service Specification: CP176
whssc.nhs.wales/commissioning/whssc-policies/all-policy-documents/chimeric-antigen-receptor-t-cell-car-t-therapy-gilead-axicabtagene-ciloleucel-yescarta-service-specification-cp175-march-2019/
Specialised Services Service Specification: CP175
whssc.nhs.wales/commissioning/whssc-policies/all-policy-documents/chimeric-antigen-receptor-t-cell-car-t-therapy-novartis-tisagenlecleucel-kymriah-service-specification-cp176-march-2019/
The criteria for a unit to deliver CAR-T is described in these policies. There are no intentions at the present time to commission additional centres in Wales.