Talking meters

I think it depends a lot on your GP and your local NHS. Try Amazon or even eBay. Best of luck

I think your surgery is talking rubbish! you obviously have a very legitimate need for a certain test strip for a certain meter that announces your BS levels - I suggest you go back to them and ask them how you are suppose to manage your diabetes if you can't see the display of the 'one' they normally prescribe!??! you are not the only blind T1 diabetic, there are solutions available to you on the NHS.

Dairygrade said:

Is there any way I can get test strips for talking blood meters my surgery says there's no strips available on prescription don't really want to buy them I'm also registered blind on benefits thanks

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Hi,

Bassed on your special requirements regarding visual impairment for an aid in blood glucose control on insulin. Your surgery has a "duty of care" to provide the right tool for the job..
As a type one. I'm guessing your talking meter was offered free by the company but not on a surgury list for the prescribed test strips..?
There should be a recomended alternative on the surgery's file? In my experience, the avarage GP don't know the "tech" involved... Maybe a list of what they do & cross reference them the feature you require...?

Hope this helps..

Dairygrade said:

Thanks to everyone who replied it seems it's my local CCG who's refusing to issue them been told by rnib they must issue strips for talking meters as it's a welfare right so back to doctors again 3rd time may have some luck thanks again everyone

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Dairygrade, perhaps the RNIB would point you towards the exact guidelines or legislation that shapes their response to you. I don't say that in doubt of anything the RNIB say, but more to strengthen your case, in the face of a surgery who would prefer not to respond to your requirements.

I do hope it gets sorted out for you.

If you still have no luck with the GP then contact the CCG directly which you can do and ask them why they will not fund the strips. I know you are registered blind but is there anyone that can help with this. If they give you an unreasonable explanation and you think you are being treated unfairly then you next course of action is the parliamentary ombudsman (link below) failing all of that go to the press and publicly shame the B******s

https://www.ombudsman.org.uk/making-complaint

Dairygrade said:

Apparently my surgery don't issue any talking meter test strips I obtained my talking meter free from Apollo medical where it says test strips and lancets are available on prescription I currently use a nexus Rx supplied by my dsnwhich is a good meter just not good for me.

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Thanks. That really dies clarify things a good deal.

Most CCGs are now restricting the range of meters (and associated strips) the prescribe for, for simplicity, ordering, costs and all sorts of reasons. I was part of a discussion group in my own area on this, and there have been several threads on the forum, although yours is the first for a talking meter/strips.

If the meter you new prefer to use is not on the preferred list, if you were in my area, you would have to build your case for why you need it (not just want, but need it). Based on that need, your practice should be able to make a decision (hopefully supporting your request) in terms of your repeat prescriptions.

I'm guessing that some of your rationale might be volume of voice, touch sensitivity of the meter controls, or screen colours or contrasts if you have some remaining sight, but those are just my guesses.

In your shoes, I would investigate how much the NHS is charged for the strips you would like to have prescribed, to ensure there is no massive price differential, but if there is, you will probably have to consider that in making your case.

I know it's unpleasant to have to make a case for something to manage a life-long condition, but sadly its all too common in the NHS these days (think postcode lotteries with life-saving/lengthening medications for life limiting diseases.

Finally, something for you to consider for yourself is if your meter and associated strips are rather niche, then you would need a reassurance that your strips would be readily available on an ongoing basis. I'm sure if you normally have your prescriptions filled at the same pharmacy they could get into the habit of having enough strips in stock to service your needs, but if they are not usual, and/or on the CCG list, the chances of many pharmacies having any to hand, without a special order could be quite low.

From time to time, we hear of supply chain disruption for many items - strips, insulin, needles and other medication.

Obviously that last item is just for you to consider, but still worth consideration. There's little point in winning the fight for prescriptions, then finding they are difficult to have fulfilled.

Good luck with it all.

I reiterate the GP will prescribe strips so long as you have an NHS approved talking meter.

My strips are via prescription. If I bought them myself - £19 for 50 so I assume the NHS gets a special deal. We should all get a special deal.

Dairygrade said:

Apparently my surgery don't issue any talking meter test strips I obtained my talking meter free from Apollo medical where it says test strips and lancets are available on prescription I currently use a nexus Rx supplied by my dsnwhich is a good meter just not good for me.

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I didn't notice your post! Sorry! Just to be clear - Did you ask for Apollo or Nexus RX strips from your GP?

Is there another GP in your surgery you can ask or speak to the original doctor again or indeed the practice manager for confirmation of what meters and strips they will prescribe. If you are still unsuccessful contact your MP. RNIB might he able to help you too.- http://www.rnib.org.uk/?gclid=CJfHjqmxiNICFesW0wodVbcNAw
RNIB helpline0303 123 9999 helpline@rnib.org.uk

Dairygrade said:

Thanks for replying it was practice manager I spoke to when I got home phoned said the same as doctor no strips prescribed not surprised beginning to think I will have to be more forceful which is not in my nature seems it's the only way to get things sorted thanks again.

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You say you"got" a Supercheck 2. Now was this supplied by your care team, or did you fund it yourself? Is your practice still supporting your old meter? Do you need to return the old meter to them, declaring that it is unfit for purpose.

The Supercheck 2 is one of the meters that the GMMMB study passed as suitable for support by NHS. It is then up to each CCG to offer their patients a subset that they and the practice want to cover. My CCG chose the absolute cheapest bottom range meters for our practice, but I went back to the CCG and argued with them why I needed a different meter, They have agreed since it is also 'approved' by the NHS. I think most CCG's are open to negotiation if there is particluar need for a different meter to suit each patient, but it must be on the GMMMB list (of 21), and it would seem that this applies in your case.