Cost of blood glucose and ketone strips to NHS

I live in wales and they are free- Recently we were all ( virtually) changed to a choice of 2 in the county. I had one - whatever the other choice was I did not know - understand -or need to know as which ever does the job - thankfully. But I think the Govt are being ripped off. Different item but same process - some years ago I went to Canaries and ran out of my inhaler for asthma. Those days I paid for all medicines and only became free when diabetic - now of course free prescriptions in Wales anyway. I went to a Chemist to try and get something for my asthma and after showing him my empty ventolin - He went out the back - came back with a box full and asked how many I wanted - 200ptas each ( about £1.00 then). Over the counter drug and when I mentioned to DR he looked them up and NHS was being charged £13.00 each for same product ( he checked the labels etc) and I paid about £5.00 prescription charge. We are on an unlevel playing field somewhere. As for the R & D - yes we know it is expensive and vital but you should see the marketing and expenses /entertainment budgets!!.

This is what I was wondering. Recently diagnosed an had about 4 free Meters sent. I love the look of the accu check mobile but found the cassette an lancets expensive.

If I put a request for this one would it be knocked back.

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Tyronnster said:

If I put a request for this one would it be knocked back.

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I don't think so but can't say with any certainty, much depends on the gp who is writing the prescription.

Thanks will try when BG test strips run out. Many thanks

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I'm in Scotland, and the NHS here has a bit more cash. I have never been denied, or for that matter even questioned about any of my supplies (My meter munches through 300 tests per month!). Doc just writes whatever I ask for. I'm moving to England next year, and not looking forward to the constant wrangling with the health service to get the supplies I need :-(

tomvonc said:

Doc just writes whatever I ask for. I'm moving to England next year, and not looking forward to the constant wrangling with the health service to get the supplies I need :-(

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I should point out I'm referring to diabetic supplies. Got denied my request for 200 grams of Morphine ;-)

tomvonc said:

I should point out I'm referring to diabetic supplies. Got denied my request for 200 grams of Morphine ;-)

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Hello. I made a comment earlier about costs and referred to buying an inhaler over the counter for £1 years ago. However to expand slightly - recently went to get a blood test prior to seeing Diabetic Doctor ( sent for it) . At surgery there was a young phlebotomist ( nurse spelled correctly) and she queried I had had so many tests on the screen. I agreed that I had 2 a year. She actually went and confirmed with practice nurse that she could give me a test ??? What the hell are we coming to. They cannot adjust the treatment unless they see past history from tests but this young lady took it on herself to try and save the NHS a £fiver or whatever. Recently a young niece of mine was sent to Drs for an injection she normally has at the hospital - instructed by hospital mind. He refused to give it her as it cost £352. Fortunately after a few phone calls it was sorted and he gave it her. What is it coming to - don't get ill!!.
However my 3 month old nephew just had a major heart op in Bristol BRI last Saturday - looking good - Bloody well done to all the team who carried it out and are looking after him. It is not all bad in this country - just the few .