AQW 8943/09

Mrs Naomi Long
Alliance Party
East Belfast

Tabled Date: 02/07/2009
Answered On Date: 10/07/2009
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what actions his Department is taking to increase staffing levels within the Mater Hospital's Macular Service to treat first eye Macaular Degeneration patients.

Answer:

I have allocated additional funding of £39.1 million over the period 2008-2011 to improve access to new drugs and treatments, including Lucentis for wet age related macular degeneration. The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is in the process of expanding its macular service to provide treatment with Lucentis in line with National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guidance, including recruitment of the necessary staff.