CampaignsHealthcare RationingAlzheimer's treatmentNICE makes concessions for Alzheimer's sufferers in the High Court NICE makes concessions for Alzheimer's sufferers in the High Court
By Jayne Warren - 29/06/2007
The legal challenge currently being mounted on behalf of Alzheimer's sufferers has won an important concession by NICE's lawyers, suggesting doctors can prescribe the treatments even when patients fall outside the guidance.
The National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) has been challenged in the High Court over its recommendation to deny drugs to people in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. The judicial review began on Monday 25th June, as people with dementia and their carers travelled for miles to gather outside the court and protest at NICE's disgraceful decision.
The case ran into an extra day following an important concession by NICE's lawyers, suggesting doctors can prescribe the treatments even when patients fall outside the guidance.
Neil Hunt, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Society, said: "This week has been a turning point in our campaign for fair access to Alzheimer's drug treatments. Finally an independent and public body has listened to what we believe are the fundamental flaws in NICE's decision to severely restrict access to Alzheimer's drugs. We have full confidence in the Judicial Review process and await Justice Dobb's decision. Whatever the legal outcome, we are glad that the views of thousands of people affected by dementia in the UK have been heard. NICE holds the fate of so many people's lives in its hands, it is only right that its decisions are subject to proper scrutiny."
John Halford, a solicitor for the Alzheimer's Society, added: "On the face of things, doctors can use their professional judgement to personally override the guidance in cases where they believe patients will benefit - even though NICE takes a different view. According to NICE, treatment must be funded when this happens. In effect, it has handed responsible doctors the trump card which the Alzheimer's Society has consistently argued they should have."
For more information contact The Alzheimer's Society on 020 7306 0606, or visit the link below.