Adrian Sanders

Liberal Democrats | Torbay

Torbay MP Criticises NICE’s Alzheimer’s Drug Decision

Torbay MP, Adrian Sanders, has today condemned the decision by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) to turn down five appeals regarding the prescription of Alzheimer’s drugs. As of 22 November people with the disease will no longer be prescribed Alzheimer’s drugs in the early and late stages on the NHS.

NICE have advised that drugs should only be prescribed to people in the moderate stage of the disease. NICE have agreed that the drugs provide clinical benefits at all stages but dispute that the NHS can afford the cost, which is £2.50 per day per patient

Adrian commented
“While I fully support the existence of NICE as an independent organisation, it appears that the NICE appeal process has been neither independent nor evidence based”

“Anyone who has first hand experience of Alzheimer’s, be it as a sufferer or carer, will know what an incredible blow NICE’s decision is. These drugs have improved the quality of life of many Torbay residents, and now those in the early and late stages of Alzheimer’s disease will be denied the medication they need”.

“I have written to the Secretary of State for Health, Patricia Hewitt, asking how she will ensure that clinicians continue to be able to exercise the flexibility in prescribing drugs for people with Alzheimer’s disease, which NICE agrees they must have, given that PCTs traditionally do not allow any deviance from the letter of NICE guidance”