10 Dec 2024
Debated Bill
Rare Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

1. Analysis of the Debated Bill on Rare Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases

Structure and Main Content:

  • The debate was led primarily by Jim Shannon, who articulated the importance of focusing on Rare Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases (RAIRD).
  • Key focus areas included awareness among healthcare professionals, improved access to medications, early diagnosis, and funding for research.
  • Shannon mentioned the support from RAIRDA (Rare Autoimmune Rheumatic Disease Alliance) and referenced specific diseases such as Behçet's disease, lupus, myositis, scleroderma, Sjögren’s syndrome, and vasculitis.

Policy Terms and Technical Terminology:

  • NHS 10-year Plan, UK Rare Diseases Framework, Genomics England, and Specialised Networks.
  • Quality Standards, Diagnostic Technology, Equitable Care, Research and Development.

Named Entities and Organizations:

  • Jim Shannon (DUP, Strangford): Lead speaker, full advocate for rare diseases.
  • Gregory Campbell (DUP, East Londonderry): Contributor, emphasized awareness.
  • Dr. Rupa Huq (Labour, Ealing Central and Acton): Chaired the debate.
  • RAIRDA: Collaborator, helping drive the rare disease agenda.

Statistics and Numerical Data:

  • Over 170,000 individuals affected in the UK.
  • £26.3 billion NHS funding referenced by Shannon.
  • Diagnostics average took 2.5 years, with 30% of patients waiting five years.
  • 70,000 to 100,000 pounds estimated costs for ENRAD, saving 150,000 to 200,000 pounds annually.

Related Parliamentary Business:

  • NHS 10-year plan discussed as a political instrument for systematic healthcare improvement.
  • Actions suggested hint at collaboration with NICE for quality standards in rare diseases.

Key Dates and Timeframes:

  • 2024: Upcoming analysis release and action plan.
  • 2026: End of the current rare disease framework.

Political and Policy Stances:

  • Cross-party consensus on need for improved diagnosis and funding.
  • Emphasis on ensuring that rare conditions are a priority in national healthcare strategies.

Departments and Governmental Bodies:

  • NHS England, Department of Health and Social Care, National Institute of Health and Care Research (NIHR).
  • Mentions of the role played by Genomics England to foster cooperation in research.

Key Contributions

Original Transcript
Mr Gregory Campbell
East Londonderry
DUP
09:35

I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate.

Does he agree that because so few people are impacted by rare diseases, raising awareness among health professionals is a key aspect of helping those people, who may often feel overlooked simply because of the very small number who come into the ambit of the subject matter we are discussing?

Dr Rupa Huq
in the Chair

I remind Members that they should bob if they want to be called in the debate.

Dr Rupa Huq
in the Chair

I call the shadow Minister, the hon. Member for Hinckley and Bosworth (Dr Evans), to speak for His Majesty’s loyal Opposition.

Dr Luke Evans
10:40

I am grateful to the Minister for acknowledging the workforce, and for looking at the workforce plan. I was aware of the Health Secretary’s plan to revisit this, and the Minister talks about it being done next year. Does he have a timescale for how long the review will take?

The danger, especially in healthcare, is that modernisation happens so quickly that, by the time we review something, it is already out of date and needs another review. This is always a chicken-and-egg situation. I would be grateful for a timescale.

Dr Luke Evans
10:43

No!

Andrew Gwynne

I know the shadow Minister is surprised by that.

Genuinely, whatever people bring to the table, whether it is personal experience, professional expertise or their constituents’ stories, we need to share that knowledge so that we can improve how we deliver the outcomes we want to see for people living with rare diseases.

I stand willing and ready to work with hon. Members across the House, and indeed with organisations that champion this area, so we can get the best outcomes that people deserve.

All content derived from official parliamentary records