Written question WQ99034
- Asked by
- Iain McIntoshReform
- To be answered by
- Cabinet Minister for Health and Care
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 9 days
Question
Will the Cabinet Minster commit to developing a unified clinical pathway for coeliac disease, with more than 22,000 people across Wales at risk of health complications as a result of undiagnosed coeliac disease?
Answer
Answered by Cabinet Minister for Health and Care (Mabon ap Gwynfor)
The Welsh Government expects NHS Wales organisations to take account of relevant national and international clinical guidelines, including those produced by the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG), when developing and delivering services.
Implementation of BSG guidance is undertaken at a local level through health boards, which are responsible for ensuring that clinical practice is informed by the best available evidence and aligned with national priorities. This includes embedding guidance within clinical pathways, service specifications, and quality improvement programmes.
At a national level monitoring and support is provided through NHS Wales Performance and Improvement, national clinical networks, and value-based healthcare approaches, which promote consistency, reduce unwarranted variation, and ensure patients receive high-quality, evidence-based care across Wales.
There are no plans to develop a specific pathway for coeliac disease at this time, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) have clinical guidelines on best practice in the recognition and assessment of coeliac disease and in the care of children and adults who are undergoing the diagnostic process for coeliac disease. I expect all health boards to take full account of NICE guidance in the planning and delivery of these services across Wales.
Welsh Government recognises and values the important contribution of third sector organisations, including Coeliac UK, in supporting people living with coeliac disease and informing policy development.
Coeliac UK provides evidence-based resources, professional education, and patient support services which are widely used across NHS Wales. Their expertise is also considered through stakeholder engagement processes, including consultations and collaborative work with clinicians and health boards.
We will continue to engage with Coeliac UK and other partners to ensure that policy and guidance in Wales reflects the needs of patients and is informed by the latest evidence and best practice.