Each devolved nation will approach guidance slightly differently.
Patients should first ask their transplant team to explain whether the decision is based on clinical judgement, their NHS commissioning criteria, or both.
In Scotland, there is more flexibility in timeframe between relapse and a patient’s first stem cell transplant. The clinician will then make the decision if a second stem cell transplant is right for them.
In Wales, the guidance aligns closely with NHS England’s policy. There may be an opportunity to submit an individual patient funding request. This must be submitted by a clinician where a patient and NHS clinician have agreed that they would be suitable for treatment, but is not eligible in line with the clinical policy criteria.
Patients should continue to make treatment decisions with their specialist clinical team and should not delay urgent care while pursuing a funding request.
