The Self Monitoring Fund. A mechanism to allow CGM for anyone on the NHS?

[Brunneria]

Nothing like this exists without centralised admin with localised admin doing the grunt work.
And even the prospect of adding 'a tick box' to each of the different systems in each of the different surgeries across every CCG across the country is a logistical nightmare.
Plus, you yourself have mentioned the need for regularly refreshed and confirmed terms and conditions.

It all adds up.

 

[tim2000s]

Nothing like this exists without centralised admin with localised admin doing the grunt work.

Just because that's the way it's been doesn't mean it's the way it has to be.

And even the prospect of adding 'a tick box' to each of the different systems in each of the different surgeries across every CCG across the country is a logistical nightmare.

Given they use one of a few permitted systems and have mandated upgrade cycles, it's much less of a logistical nightmare than you're making it out to be.

Plus, you yourself have mentioned the need for regularly refreshed and confirmed terms and conditions.

No, I've mentioned regular checks. I don't envisage the T's and C's changing a great deal, and in all honesty. the checks can also be managed on an exception basis and mostly automated, thanks to the technologies already involved.

There are plenty of hurdles, sure, but how about we look at jumping them rather than considering them as locked gates?

 

[Brunneria]

Oh, they aren't locked gates. Anything can be unlocked with enough money thrown at it. But that was my point.

I am just very wary of any home-grown theory erring on the side of rose tinted spectacles rather than hard nosed practicality.

 

[tim2000s]

I thought that rather than try and navigate through the maze of the CCG/Centralised admin, etc, I'd discuss this with my GP's Diabetes Specialist to ensure I understood how the prescribing budgets work and walk him through my proposal.

Budgets are done on a per practice basis, not a per patient basis. Meeting the budget is something the surgery rather than the CCG does. This makes management of any costs completely local, and removes the need to do anything central. The first tick in the box.

Secondly, after I outlined the idea to him, whereby, I work with him to put together a proposal that works along the model described, he provides feedback and support and we finally submit something to the CCG, he thought it was a great idea. He was very clear about his expectation of the response, and I was very clear I understood, but he thought it worth the effort and is willing to support it.

So, we go from there.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Thats the way it has to go Tim.. However.. Personal budgets... Well I went to a talk on these a year ago... And a separate company is involved with these schemes. Another cost!! And personal budgets are not necessarily £1000's of £1's. One person for example on a personal budget... His dad with dementia was going to a day centre daily..and hated it. It was seen as a truimph by the son that the personal budget allowed them to get a sky box for £30 (their quote) and his dad was then happy sat in front of it all day. This is a real example.
Our GPs and the PM at my practice did not understand them at all. I recently had a complaint with a GP as he did not record down details on my notes accurately about my stomach results. His response was "I have 60-70 letters to read a day, I only read the top two lines".....
Administratively you are adding to GP Practice workloads and administration.

It sounds negative I know. I've been to conferences on personal budgets and from 80 people there... Not one GP and yet all invited from all of the CCG area.

Are you putting this down to GP level to maintain budgets?

 

[nutty.paula]

Hi. I am looking into getting a Libre, my Husband has had diabetes for over 30 years' and although he has funding for the pump at the moment - until October anyway, we are considering the Libre. We keep being told by the Doctors and the Consultants that funding will not apply to us but how do we actually find out, can you help where to go for this information. I too would like to write to my MP etc; if you could pass on some good phrases you used in order to get a response I'd really appreciate it. I hope you get the funding, fingers crossed for you.

 

[donnellysdogs]

Hi. I am looking into getting a Libre, my Husband has had diabetes for over 30 years' and although he has funding for the pump at the moment - until October anyway, we are considering the Libre. We keep being told by the Doctors and the Consultants that funding will not apply to us but how do we actually find out, can you help where to go for this information. I too would like to write to my MP etc; if you could pass on some good phrases you used in order to get a response I'd really appreciate it. I hope you get the funding, fingers crossed for you.

Sent you a PM.

 

[crumpy]

Great post Tim. Also agree with the principle of what you're proposing being somebody who self funds. One of the challenges i see with the proposal is if a patient mismanages their fund several months into the year. Would or could the NHS really refuse them test strips and risk their health? I also think GPs would struggle with the further workload.

I don't think we should be dismissing ideas like yours on the grounds of any potential fraud that might result though.

I've enjoyed reading your blog and will try to contribute more.

Not to sidetrack the proposal but i cant help but think a simpler step in the right direction would be to allow a person to offset any genuine private health costs against their tax bill at the time of self assessment. Not just diabetes. I'm sure this was/is a system used in Canada. Would obviously require a sea change in thinking about the NHS and result in some loss of income for the exchequer (offset by potential NHS savings hopefully).