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How do I get pump supplies???

T

Tegan97

Member
Messages
11
Hi all!

I'm from Australia and I have just moved to the UK to study for 6 months. I've been diabetic for 13 years and had a pump for 12 years. I'm currently using the Ypsopump. I've registered with a GP and have an NHS number (but haven't had an appointment yet). I use novorapid insulin.

How do I get insulin pump supplies (infusion sets and reservoirs) in the UK at an affordable price?? I was told by many specialists in Australia that the cost would be very low. I just had to buy a box of 10 infusion sets and 10 reservoirs from Ypsomed because I'm running low and it cost me £134.50 + £12.00 postage. Is this price normal?? In Australia that would have cost me about $20 total (the equivalent of £10.00).

I'm not sure what to do as I really cannot afford the price I was given. Do diabetics normally get supplies through their GP? What do people normally pay for their supplies?

I'm also wondering what the cost of novorapid insulin is (on the NHS).

Thanks so much!!
Tegan
 
Hello Tegan, welcome!

Here in the UK, we have to be referred to a consultant/ diabetes team at a hospital. As for pumps, your consultant will have to approve funding for you to get supplies directly from your supplier. It seems the prices you paid here are correct as private prices. As for insulin, i it’s probably around £40, you’ll have to ask a pharmacy directly.

In my case, I’m on medtronic 670G insulin pump, I don’t get supplies from my GP. I get them directly from Medtronic by it is paid for by my hospital because my CCG has approved funding for it. So I just called Medtronic and get a 3 month supply delivered to my door. I know there are some who privately fund their pump but it is costly.

FYI, my box of infusion sets is £109 per box.
 
Also were you not given extra supplies before coming to the UK until you got all your diabetes care sorted or at least to buy yourself some time? Box of 10 won’t last you long and it is expensive.
 

Thanks so much! How do I get referred to a consultant/diabetes team at a hospital?
 
Tegan97 said:
Thanks so much! How do I get referred to a consultant/diabetes team at a hospital?
Click to expand...
Go back to you GP and ask for a referral to a consultant. This nornally means you have complications or lots of hypos or hypers or ask to see the specialist nurse at the hospital as they are much more clued up on the admin for getting a pump. Pump will be funded by your local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) and they may have criteria for you to meet and also may not support the brand of pump you're on now.
Hopefully you have a back up kit of pens and insulin just in case this doesn't get sorted out quickly enough. Good luck.
 
MeiChanski said:
Also were you not given extra supplies before coming to the UK until you got all your diabetes care sorted or at least to buy yourself some time? Box of 10 won’t last you long and it is expensive.
Click to expand...

I brought as much over as I could fit in my luggage (about 6 weeks worth). I won’t share the whole story as it would be a novel, but it’s been a real task finding someone who can give me correct advise on how to proceed with obtaining medication and pump supplies, which is why I made this post. I underestimated how long it would take to get supplies.
 

Basically you need to go back to your GP asap and tell them you're a Type1 diabetic, newly registered with them but running out of your insulin and supplies and tell them you need to talk to someone about it imminently, they may be able to fit you in as an emergency appointment..
 
I wish you the best of luck because you are in a tricky situation from Australia. The area you are in (CCG) may not support the pump you are on and they may not approve another pump. You have to be prepared to revert back to MDI. You may have to continue paying out of pocket for your infusion sets etc. I’m not too sure about international students getting medical care here, but I have a feeling you may have to again, pay out of pocket for it.
 
Hmmm! Missing the NDSS pricing all ready...
 
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