This is the letter I got from complaining to my NHS - about the lack of Freestyle... West Suffolk
Thank you for your email.
FreeStyle Libre® and other Flash Glucose Monitoring Systems (FGMS) are not currently supported on NHS prescription in the NHS Ipswich & East Suffolk, NHS West Suffolk and NHS North East Essex clinical commissioning group areas.
FreeStyle Libre®, the first FGMS, monitors glucose levels using interstitial fluid levels rather than capillary blood glucose from finger prick testing.
Prescribing will not be supported until a full review of the product has been carried out and its place in local glucose monitoring pathways agreed. This review will consider both local and national guidance relating to the device, outcome evidence and cost effectiveness.
The CCGs’ position is based on a review of FreeStyle Libre® undertaken by the East of England Priorities Advisory Committee, which is currently discussing the use of these devices with endocrinologists to inform local recommendations regarding their use.
All three CCGs fully support the management of diabetes through engagement with accredited educational programmes such as Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating (DAFNE) and Diabetes Education and Self-Management for Ongoing and Newly Diagnosed (DESMOND).
DAFNE and DESMOND educational programmes are freely available for all diabetic patients in Suffolk and their availability has recently been enhanced.
Yours sincerely
Dr Mark Shenton
Chair
Ipswich & East Suffolk CCG