Menu
13/11/2019
CF Drugs To Be Available Within Weeks
Clinicians will begin prescribing life-changing drugs to local Cystic Fibrosis patients in a matter of weeks, the Department of Health has confirmed.
Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco will be made available through a deal with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals which follows similar arrangements in England and Scotland.
DoH Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said pricing arrangements for the drugs will be finalised and signed off in the near future.
Providing an update to patients, the health chief said: "Arrangements are being put in place to ensure clinicians will be able to begin prescribing the drugs to the first eligible patients within the next few weeks. It is estimated that in excess of 270 patients will be eligible for the new drugs under the agreement."
(JG/CM)
Orkambi, Symkevi and Kalydeco will be made available through a deal with manufacturer Vertex Pharmaceuticals which follows similar arrangements in England and Scotland.
DoH Permanent Secretary Richard Pengelly said pricing arrangements for the drugs will be finalised and signed off in the near future.
Providing an update to patients, the health chief said: "Arrangements are being put in place to ensure clinicians will be able to begin prescribing the drugs to the first eligible patients within the next few weeks. It is estimated that in excess of 270 patients will be eligible for the new drugs under the agreement."
(JG/CM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 June 2019
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
Man Jailed For Drugs Offences
A Newtownabbey man has been handed a custodial sentence for a series of drugs offences following police raids as part of a paramilitary probe. 49-year-old William Axon will serve two years imprisonment, half in custody and half on licence.
22 May 2017
Concerns Raised Over Adult Mental Health Patients
The number of adult mental health patients waiting longer than nine weeks to access key services has more than doubled from 338 in March 2016 to over 800 in March 2017, according to new figures. Ulster Unionist Mental Health spokesperson, Robbie Butler MLA, warned that mental health patients could be coming to harm.
Concerns Raised Over Adult Mental Health Patients
The number of adult mental health patients waiting longer than nine weeks to access key services has more than doubled from 338 in March 2016 to over 800 in March 2017, according to new figures. Ulster Unionist Mental Health spokesperson, Robbie Butler MLA, warned that mental health patients could be coming to harm.
04 March 2015
Cheaper Medicine 'Could Have Saved Millions Of Pounds'
A new report by the NI Assembly's Public Accounts Committee has revealed millions of pounds could have been saved if doctors prescribed less expensive medicines. The report on Primary Care Prescribing found "significant savings" could be made if lower cost prescriptions – which are effective as ones that are more expensive – were given to patients.
Cheaper Medicine 'Could Have Saved Millions Of Pounds'
A new report by the NI Assembly's Public Accounts Committee has revealed millions of pounds could have been saved if doctors prescribed less expensive medicines. The report on Primary Care Prescribing found "significant savings" could be made if lower cost prescriptions – which are effective as ones that are more expensive – were given to patients.
15 June 2021
Health Minister Applauds Vaccination Take-Up Initiatives
Initiatives to support vaccination take-up have been applauded by Health Minister Robin Swann. A targeted programme of pop-up clinics is being rolled out to different locations in Northern Ireland, helping local communities access vaccines.
Health Minister Applauds Vaccination Take-Up Initiatives
Initiatives to support vaccination take-up have been applauded by Health Minister Robin Swann. A targeted programme of pop-up clinics is being rolled out to different locations in Northern Ireland, helping local communities access vaccines.
16 November 2020
Covid-19 Patients Are Not Being Prioritised Over Other Patients
Covid-19 patients are not being prioritised over patients with other conditions, according to a new Department of Health (DoH) 'Mythbuster' initiative. The DoH has issued the first in a planned series of 'mythbusters', correcting inaccurate claims about Covid-19.
Covid-19 Patients Are Not Being Prioritised Over Other Patients
Covid-19 patients are not being prioritised over patients with other conditions, according to a new Department of Health (DoH) 'Mythbuster' initiative. The DoH has issued the first in a planned series of 'mythbusters', correcting inaccurate claims about Covid-19.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A cloudy morning with outbreaks of rain, heavy for a time, clearing east by midday. Then sunny spells with scattered showers through the afternoon, mostly around the north coast. Maximum temperature 9 °C.Tonight:Largely dry with clear spells at first, a few showers in the north and west. Becoming cloudier with rain spreading east through the early hours. Strong winds developing, coastal gales. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
