Written question WQ96500
- Asked by
- Mabon ap GwynforPlaid
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 7 days
Question
What steps is the Cabinet Secretary taking to implement the NICE guidance that clinicians should consider primary care respiratory review and spirometry for people with emphysema or signs of chronic airways disease on a chest X-ray or CT scan?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care
We have acted to strengthen the link to clinical guidance within the General Medical Services contract, which states that GPs should provide care for patients with consideration of national and local guidelines, including NICE guidance. Community Health Pathways have been commissioned nationally to support GPs in ensuring that national guidelines are adapted for local use.
We would therefore expect current NICE respiratory guidance to already be implemented by GMS practices. It is the responsibility of Local Health Boards to assure themselves that the contracts they commission are being delivered.