Panarama is doing a programme tonight about the post code lottery within the NHS. Apparently an oncologist (can’t remember his name) from Christies Hospital has researched the funding of drugs from PCT’s which referred patients to him.
Should make interesting viewing for those interested in post code lotteries.
Interesting the extent of recent media coverage re cancer…drugs…funding…etc
Dare we hope we are on the cusp of winds of change!!!
Did anyone see the programme?
I thought it was awful its decided by the PCT of each area if you get drugs that are not approved by NICE. The woman lived in Manchester and yet if she lived a few miles away in Cheshire she would probably get the drug she wanted and needed.
Does anyone know where we can view how our own PCT and the decisions they have made.
Was i right in hearing that the women would only live a further 4 months with the treatment but her quality of life would be better?
Disgusting that the drug for eye sight and alzheimers was not available as they could give quality of life for many years for them.
I must admit after the programme i thought 'what an absolute fiasco it all is.
Like to know what others think
Rx
I saw it and was puzzled that Avastin for the eye problem was ‘cheap’ at £2.50 a day but for bc /bowel cancer[the lady you mention]it was too expensive at over £40,000.
My mum has macular degeneration and the reason cost for eyes is low is only a very tiny amount needed compared with cancer treatment
Hope this helps
Liz
Thanks Lizx
Hi to all,
saw Panarama and it just highlights the unfairness of it all. When I was campaining for avastin my daughter who is on face book had a friend contact her re her grandad he was told he could not have a certain drug until he went blind in one eye, sadly he went blind in both eyes. When I was at Westminster and I spoke I told this and other stories all true. After the meeting Prof Richards assistant thanked me for speaking and that I had brought things to his attention that he had no knowledge of. I was also asked to write for Dr for Reform. I am pretty chuffed they have just accepted my transcript!
The avastin for eyes is an outrage as it is so much cheaper NICE should pass it but if they do it will have to be available for other diseases. All we can do is keep writng to MPs and to Mr G Brown.
While writing this I have the TV on and it is about Gary Glitter b…dy mad world we live in isnt it!
Love Debsxxx
Yes, I saw panaorama and it is disgusting that drugs are allocated by luck of living in an area that funds them. As for Gary Glitter - I turn the tv over if he is on. He needs no more publicity.