Type 1 - threatened test strip withdrawal

[Paul520785]

Another update -
Information from NHS England
Having sent an e-mail to NHS England they have telephoned and provided information and guidance and OK'd my passing on thro' this thread!
1st - two options either an informal complaint where they contact the surgery and invite them to contact the complainant to resolve or A formal complaint where they will deal with the surgery direct and provide instructs to the surgery and or the patient. Note - First option is relatively quick but second option is expected to be over 40 days.
Also informed me that local CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) may have issued instructions to surgeries limiting the quantity of items prescribed
Asked about the effect of my complaint on the treatment give to family members and told that there should be no on-going effect for me or my family. (uncertain on how much to rely on this statement)
Very helpful and definitely worth using both for information and as a last resort

Next bright idea was to phone local CCG and ask questions - More detail to come if they actually call me back!
..

 

[donnellysdogs]

Good info from nhs england. I have had to make official complaints about consultants previously... makes it improved service from all consuktants for me...must have a red x marked on my files.

You could later join your Practice Patients Group!! They aren't allowed to resolve personal complaints but for me ibeing members in 2 different PPGs has enabled me to know more about what is happening.. ie our surgery now forced to open on some Sunday mornings and every Weds evening to take us and patients from other Practices etc..

 

[Paul520785]

Another Update
In response to the e-mailed question - Has ####CCG issued an instruction to limit quantities issued?
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Thank you for your e-mail regarding Blood glucose testing in patients with Type 1 diabetes. As you are no doubt aware the NICE guidelines recommend routine testing four times a day.
'
Advise routine self‑monitoring of blood glucose levels for all adults with type 1 diabetes, and recommend testing at least 4 times a day, including before each meal and before bed.
'
######### CCG would support this level of testing. The guidelines suggest additional testing in certain circumstances and we would expect the practice to discuss such circumstances with the patient. Additional testing is normally carried out in order to make necessary adjustments to an Insulin dose when for example a patient is acutely unwell. We would not however expect that all patients with Type 1 diabetes would need to test 10 times a day.
.
Kind regards
====================================================================================
I did not expect a reply but this is a very pleasant surprise.

To me this clearly states "we would expect the practice to discuss such circumstances with the patient" which is different to discussing with doctor then the dispensary manager effectively just saying NO.

Now thinking - What next??