UK Rare Diseases Strategy just presented by Lord Howe
 

The UK government has presented a new plan designed to improve "support, treatment and research" for people affected by rare diseases.
The aim of the UK Rare Diseases Strategy, launched by health minister Lord Howe on the 22th of November, is to set out a country-wide vision for building on "our reputation as a world leader in rare disease research, including revolutionary genomic research to help transform diagnosis and treatment".
The key elements of the strategy include "a clear personal care plan for every patient that brings together health and care services, with more support for them and their families". It will also offer support for specialised clinical centres and "better education and training for health and social care professionals to help ensure earlier diagnosis and access to treatment".
The government has also announced that the National Institute for Health Research is establishing a Rare Diseases Translational Research Collaboration (TRC), putting in £20 million over four years. Lord Howe noted that "for the first time, we are strengthening the links between research and the treatment and care of patients with rare diseases". He concluded by saying that "the UK already leads the way with ground-breaking research to better understand and treat these illnesses and this strategy will help cement our reputation as the driving force in this field".
Access the UK strategy