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NICE guideline 'should be mandatory' say Conservatives

8 October 2009

Mike Penning MP, Shadow Health Minister for the Conservative Party, said that guidance from NICE should be mandatory, in response to a question on how a future Conservative government would ensure minimum standards of care.

This commitment by the Conservative Party will help eradicate the postcode lottery for health care.

Val Buxton, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Parkinson's Disease Society

The Shadow Minister was speaking at the Parkinson's Disease Society's fringe event at the Conservative Party conference this week.

Val Buxton, Director of Policy and Campaigns for the Parkinson's Disease Society, said:
 
"This commitment by the Conservative Party to make the NICE guideline mandatory, should they be elected to Government, will help eradicate the postcode lottery for health care.

Unequal access to services

"Unequal access to care is a serious issue for people with Parkinson's around the UK.

"Through our Fair Care for Parkinson's campaign we have been fighting to change this. The Conservative Party's commitment is a hugely positive step towards this goal.

"At our fringe event, 'From Whitehall to the town hall - no longer a national health service?', delegates overwhelmingly voted for consistent high quality care across the country, rather than services that were totally determined at local level.

"If a Conservative Government is elected, we hope it will stand by this commitment. This would make such a positive difference for people with Parkinson's and other conditions."