To ask the Minister of Health what engagement his Department is having with Health and Social Care Trusts to ensure equality of access to continuous glucose monitoring systems.

The Regional Insulin Pump Service was established, with a departmental investment of £2 million, to support people living with Type 1 diabetes by enabling this life changing service.

The Regional Insulin Pumps Service was co-produced with People Living with Diabetes, clinicians and health care professionals across all Health and Social Care Trusts, alongside Diabetes UK. The service goal is to provide equity, reduce variability and enhance outcomes for people living with diabetes across Northern Ireland.

A regional multi-disciplinary team delivers the pathway, connecting with local Health and Social Care Trusts, to provide a high-quality service and ensuring equal access to insulin pump therapy.

The most appropriate glucose monitoring system for each individual is the responsibility of the Health and Social Care Trust and their clinicians to determine, in consultation with the patient and/or the patient’s carer. Continuous glucose monitors currently listed on the Northern Ireland Drug Tariff can be provided.

NICE have published Technology Appraisal 943 (TA943) which recommends hybrid closed loop systems for managing blood glucose levels in type 1 diabetes.

The Department has endorsed TA943 as applicable to Northern Ireland, however it is acknowledged that implementation will require consideration of the financial and service requirements, including clinical capacity, specialist support and procurement routes.

Work is also required to ensure appropriate workforce arrangements to provide these products safely, effectively and equitably across the region.

A clinical working group is being established to work with relevant stakeholders across HSC to develop an implementation plan with an appropriate timescale for rollout. This plan should provide equitable, sustainable and affordable access to this technology, which is targeted to optimise outcomes for those groups most likely to benefit.