I am royally ****** off with the NHS. I have just been to see my GP and she gave me a new Nexus Gluco RX meter and told me that this is now the only meter for which I will be supplied test strips on the NHS. No choice in the matter. Never mind that I have recently bought myself the iBG Star meter and am finding it wonderful for keeping track of my sugar. I realise that the NHS has to try and save money but surely they could negotiate with the meter companies and get them to reduce the price of the test strips? I just hate being dictated to like this and to have no choice in the matter. I cant even use my fastclix lancets but have to use the device that comes with the new meter, which is positively archaic! I will have to buy my own lancets in future as the new ones are just too painful for me.
Does anyone know if this is now standard or if my doctor is misinformed?
it is fairly standard practice for PCTs to have prescribing lists that are a subset of what is available for prescription in the BNF. I would expect that this system will remain when the Clinical Commisioning Groups go live. These lists are, I believe, constructed for financial savings.
A list I can understand but to only have one choice? I was told it is either this meter, and lancet device or nothing. As I am on insulin I have to have a meter and it is too expensive to buy my own test strips. I would just like a bit of choice in the matter of my own medical care.
Clearly the gold standard is a partnership in care. Armed with that and the reasons for you wanting to continue to use your current meter you could argue that standard with your GP and/or the PCT. One size fits all is clearly not following the National Service Framework for Diabetes.