The notification exercise by the Health Protection Agency was delivered through the clinicians who treat people with haemophilia and bleeding disorders. These specialist clinicians are the best placed to advise their patients, to counsel them and to present information about risk.
In advance of the notification exercise the United Kingdom haemophilia doctors association, in consultation with the haemophilia patients' association, was asked for and provided its views on the handling of the notification exercise.
On 12 February 2003 the Government announced an extra £88 million over three years to extend the availability of recombinant (synthetic) clotting factors for adult haemophiliacs in England. To help extend the availability of recombinant, the Government provided the following additional funding:
£ million 2003-04 13 2004-05 21.7 2005-06 53.4
This funding was made available following a long campaign by the haemophilia lobby groups. Funding was available from the programme budget.
The roll-out programme for recombinant began in January 2004, and all haemophilia patients in England are now eligible for treatment with recombinant products.
Funding is now allocated to strategic health authorities through the national health service bundle, and will be managed through a service level agreement.