AQW 13443/22-27
Mr Danny Donnelly
Alliance Party
East Antrim
Tabled Date: 17/06/2024
Answered On Date: 08/07/2024
Priority Written: No
Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines (i) NG106; (ii) NG136; (iii) NG196; and (iv) NG238 have been implemented across the Health and Social Care Trusts.
Answer:
My Department has a formal link with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) under which NICE Clinical Guidelines are reviewed locally for their legal and policy applicability here. Where found to be applicable, they are endorsed for implementation within Health and Social Care (HSC) organisations. DoH Circular HSC (SQSD) 13/22 sets out process for endorsement, implementation, monitoring and assurance of Clinical Guidelines in Northern Ireland. As there is no dedicated funding source to support the implementation of NICE Clinical Guidelines in Northern Ireland, any resources required are considered against other competing priorities. There are a significant number of recommendations contained within each guideline. It should be noted that not all recommendations are relevant to all Trust areas and some recommendations are predominantly directed at primary care. The extent of implementation on each of the specified guidelines varies across Trusts, however all Trusts are broadly complaint with the guidelines, notwithstanding a number of highlighted challenges which the SPPG will continue to work with Trusts to address. NG106 - Chronic heart failure in adults: diagnosis and management All Trusts are reporting that the guidance has not been fully implemented. Issues highlighted include the impact of demographic changes leading to increased demand and the capacity within Trusts to meet the demand. In particular, heart failure services may benefit from increased numbers of specialist nurses, physiotherapists and pharmacists to ensure timely diagnosis, treatment and review of patients. NG136 - Hypertension in adults: diagnosis and management The guideline predominantly applies to primary care however the relevant elements for Trusts are being reported as fully implemented within NHSCT, SEHSCT and WHSCT. Work is ongoing by SHSCT to achieve full compliance in the coming months. While BHSCT have indicated broad compliance against relevant recommendations, the Trust has highlighted ongoing capacity challenges to meet demand. NG196 - Atrial fibrillation: diagnosis and management The guidance is being reported as fully implemented within SEHSCT, SHSCT and WHSCT, while NHSCT has implemented all recommendations relevant to Trust. BHSCT have highlighted workforce and capacity challenges impacting on the implementation of a number of recommendations. NG 238 - Cardiovascular disease: risk assessment and reduction, including lipid modification All Trusts are reporting that the guidance has not been fully implemented. However, as this guidance was endorsed in February 2024, the SPPG’s expectation is that Trusts remain in the planning phase, moving towards implementation over the next few months.
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