Savings will have to be made 'elsewhere' to fund Translana

That's the message from the Health and Social Care Minister - she's agreed to overturn the decision not to fund Translana.

 

The drug - which it's believed can help sufferers of Duchene Muscular Dystrophy - is expected to cost around £180,000 each year. 

 

Kate Beecroft says as long as it can be obtained at that 'discounted price' she'll approve its use - it's something that's been welcomed by the family of seven-year-old sufferer Finley Hesketh.

 

However she says the decision has not been easy to make given the current 'economic climate' and because the department has already overspent by £10 million. 

 

Mrs Beecroft says it means we now have to prioritise and it may mean some services and treatments are reduced or stopped in order to fund this drug.