CARL SARGEANT AM'S ANGER OVER HIGH COURT VERDICT
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has written to both First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Prime Minister Gordon Brown to express his deep disappointment at the High Court decision to uphold the NICE guidance to only provide funding for people in the later stages of Alzheimer's Disease.
Mr Sargeant said: "I have written to both leaders stating that this is devastating news for Alzheimer's patients and their families. NICE's recommendations will rob families of precious time in the early stages of dementia and deprive people of comfort and dignity in the final stages of their lives. I also raised my concern in the letters about the effect that this decision will have on the quality of life for carers. As far as I am aware, this decision has been made for financial, not clinical reasons. Although the drugs would not help every patient, they would certainly help some.
"I am appalled by the decision, and look forward to the First Minister's and Prime Minister's response. I have also asked for proposals for improving treatment for people with dementia, and details of how the government is going to respond to the urgent need to fund further research in order to find better treatments. I look forward to the replies."
Carl Sargeant, AM for Alyn and Deeside, has written to both First Minister Rhodri Morgan and Prime Minister Gordon Brown to express his deep disappointment at the High Court decision to uphold the NICE guidance to only provide funding for people in the later stages of Alzheimer's Disease.
Mr Sargeant said: "I have written to both leaders stating that this is devastating news for Alzheimer's patients and their families. NICE's recommendations will rob families of precious time in the early stages of dementia and deprive people of comfort and dignity in the final stages of their lives. I also raised my concern in the letters about the effect that this decision will have on the quality of life for carers. As far as I am aware, this decision has been made for financial, not clinical reasons. Although the drugs would not help every patient, they would certainly help some.
"I am appalled by the decision, and look forward to the First Minister's and Prime Minister's response. I have also asked for proposals for improving treatment for people with dementia, and details of how the government is going to respond to the urgent need to fund further research in order to find better treatments. I look forward to the replies."
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