Rare Diseases: Advice and Guidance Services
2026-06-24 · Department of Health and Social Care · 13318 · Official question
Question
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what safeguards are in place to ensure that patients with complex, chronic or rare conditions are not disadvantaged by the requirement to use Advice and Guidance before referral.
Answer
Advice and Guidance (A&G) is not, and has not been, mandated for use prior to a formal referral. Practices are expected to use A&G to support clinical decision making in relation to a planned care referral where clinically appropriate, alongside s...