AQW 19439/22-27

Mrs Michelle Guy
Alliance Party
Lagan Valley

Tabled Date: 05/12/2024
Answered On Date: 19/12/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health whether there are plans to upgrade blood sugar sensors used by those with diabetes to ensure they are hybrid closed loop capable.

Answer:

Continuous glucose monitors currently listed on the NI Drug Tariff can be provided, with the most appropriate system determined in consultation between the clinician and the patient and/or the patient’s carer. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 on Hybrid Closed Loop systems, has been endorsed as applicable to NI.

My Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications. Overall provision; priority groups; system costs; workforce and communication requirements, to both enable and support, are being considered.

Funding is required for devices in addition to upskilling and recruiting the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Given the scale of investment needed, financial requirements are also being considered.

Final decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made. This will support the integration continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care and will be communicated to all stakeholders.