Medicine rationing

[richard64]

The UK government makes a big fuss about the NHS being "ring fenced" but there is no such thing. As diabetics we are now being targeted by this austerity government as a source of cuts. The National Prescribing Centre have just issued new prescribing guidelines to GPs. http://www.pulsetoday.co.uk/Journals/Medical/Pulse/2010_August_11/attachments/NPC report.pdf

I have not seen this in the newspapers, who it appears are now interested in what the cuts will really mean. As you can see below, the cuts will mean rationing of the medicine that keeps diabetics healthy. Four out of the fifteen drug rationing rules apply directly to diabetics:

• Statins (eg rosuvastatin and ezetimibe)
  Newer hypoglycaemics (eg exenatide, vildaglipti)
  Long acting insulin analogues (eg levemir, lantus)
  Self-monitoring of blood glucose (ie blood sticks) for type 2 diabetics

I was not told at the election that a Conservative government would ration my insulin (levemir). It is a huge shock to me that this government regards me as being too expensive to treat correctly. I will be complaining to my MP that the NHS re-organisation is a step too far.

 

[cugila]

Sorry Richard.....

I didn't take it as being set in stone. It's a document issued by Peter Rowe - Chief Executive, Ashton, Leigh & Wigan Primary Care Trust. It is still work in progress according to the document. An ongoing discussion.....not a directive.

As it is PCT's who are the 'bean counters' they are obviously looking for savings. It seems to me that much of it is what already happens, try the cheapest option first, if that doesn't work then step up to something else. So at present I don't see any reason to get to worried.

I think one of the options open to many is to complain about such things to their MP, Councillors etc. Give them something to think about perhaps. :twisted:

Ken

 

[catherinecherub]

As Ken says, all PCT's have been asked to put forward proposals to try and cut the NHS budget.
We had a letter which came to the wards from the bean counters suggesting that we stop giving our clients a cup of tea in the afternoons, try to cut back on laundry use, ask the domestic staff to use less disinfectant when cleaning clinical and toilet areas and other mad suggestions.

Here is an article if you feel in the correspondence mood, this is real and happening,

Terminally ill cancer patients and people undergoing chemotherapy are being threatened with benefit cuts if they don't attend back-to-work interviews.
Some terminally ill patients are even dying before they get the benefits that they are entitled to.

http://www.ifaonline.co.uk/cover/news/1 ... interviews
What should we expect from a ConDem Coalition Party that was never voted in?

 

[ShyGirl]

So , targeting people on medications is fine while in some PCT's bimbo teenagers are offered boobjobs. I can't believe how badly people in need are sometimes treated in this country.

 

[hanadr]

My PCT doesn't do boobjobs. They are rubbish at diabetes care, but they don't do that.
10 years ago, I was offered a reduction, but I've been told it's no-longer a possibility. oh dear on with the hunt for the rare 36J cup bras!
Hana

 

[catherinecherub]

So , targeting people on medications is fine while in some PCT's bimbo teenagers are offered boobjobs. I can't believe how badly people in need are sometimes treated in this country.
Not sure what it was in the 80's when they ruled for over 10 years but surely the party didn't put forward such proposals as this? I almost feel like checking the date to make sure it isn't April 1st

Hi Shygirl,

Whilst the ConDem may not have started the appalling treatment for cancer patients on benefits, they have done nothing to stop it and these are the people who say that they will look after cancer patients. Imagine knowing that you or your loved one is not likely to ever get better and has been told that they have x amount of months to live. What an indignity to have to go for an interview so that you can prove you are seeking work to get your benefits.