To ask the Minister of Health, pursuant to AQW 19439/22-27, how National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines are being followed in relation to hybrid closed loop for diabetics who have reliability issues with freestyle Libre sensors and can only use Dexcom sensors.

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 NI Drug Tariff can be provided. Two new sensors (Freestyle Libre Plus® and Dexcom One Plus®) were recently added to the NI Drug Tariff. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence TA943 on Hybrid Closed Loop systems, has been endorsed as applicable to NI. My Department has requested work to be undertaken to understand the implications, given the scale of investment needed. Funding is required for devices in addition to upskilling and recruiting the workforce needed to offer Hybrid Closed Loop safely, effectively and equitably across the region. Final decision-making and commissioning arrangements for NI will be made to support the integration of continuous glucose monitoring technologies into diabetes care.