Posted at 28/11/2006 08:06AM - smithyscot
Some PCTs refuse funding because of indefensible, even discriminatory policies. Example: lymphoedema can be present from birth (primary) or arise from later trauma (secondary). Whatever the cause, the treatment is the same. Several PCTs fund treatment for lymphoedema following cancer, but not for cases of primary. I am aware of patients who have fought but have still been left with inadequate treatment - or none at all - and are unnecessarily disabled as a result.
Posted at 27/11/2006 09:50PM - JLS
I live in Brighton and suffer from a painful neurological movement condition DYSTONIA. This condition effects and invades every area of my life. Our local PCT is NOT providing patients like me 'with duty of care' in fact my consultant was suspended for speaking up. There is NO funding for the clinic we need, and a shortage of Botox funding. My complaint is now with Health Care Commission being reinvestagated, 18 long months so far. Post code lottery for sure.
Posted at 27/11/2006 09:39PM - shelaghmckiernan
I am one of the beurocrats. It is v. difficult to allocate funds fairly in massive deficit conditions. We use v. strict criteria to decide. We also optimise funds by agreeing contracts with local or specialist providers which mean patients have less choice. This area is very complex. The programme did not ask PCTs how they made decisions. I agonise daily about upsetting patients but they don't understand we make choices based on clinical evidence not personal expectations.
Posted at 27/11/2006 09:21PM - mrsraw
I am a registered General nurse who has just been made unemployed by a Comunity Trust because of whistle blowing I was placed on special leave September 05 and then suspended January 06 The trust kept me off work for a full year before they terminated my employment I earned £21,000 year they had to pay another nurse £21,000 to do my job thats £42,000 they have wasted that I know of I would not like to guess exactly how much it has cost so that could be a good explanation why patients dont get
Posted at 27/11/2006 09:17PM - leonorloureiro
I've just seen your programme, and I think it's amazing what you're doing. I'm a Portuguese student and I never imagined that this could happen here in this country, supposed to be one of the G8! To go through what those people went through just to get treatment when it's their right to have it in the 1st place! Health treatments like these should be given regardless of age, colour, living place, tax paying, etc. Your programme and site is going to help thousands: well constructed and explained. Keep on!
Posted at 27/11/2006 09:13PM - Lisboa
As a PCT board member I am only too aware of the strong feelings raised by the 'postcode lottery' issue. However, Jon Snow's programme really failed to ask why rationing takes place. I didn't see a single PCT chief executive interviewed, nor any balancing view from the department of health. PCT senior management - executive and non-executive - spend long, difficult hours trying to balance the health needs of the whole population against available money and the need to reorganise services.
Posted at 27/11/2006 09:11PM - robsk
As a NHS consultant, I applaud your campaign to highlight and eliminate the postcode lottery for certain treatments. However, the PCTs' budgets do not increase when they agree to fund more expensive treatments. The only way these treatments can be afforded is by reducing the budget for other treatments, thereby affecting another group of patients who may be less vocal and whose conditions are less attention-grabbing than cancer or multiple sclerosis (such as stroke or heart failure).
Posted at 27/11/2006 08:38PM - JMac55
I've been a vitim to the postcode lottery twice now, first in '98 when diagnosed with MS and was denied access to Beta-interferon and again last year after being diagnosed with Breast cancer and needing Herceptin. I have had to fight both times to be able to recieve the drug I need. It hasn't been easy for me to say the least and now I'm campaigning on behalf of other breast cancer patients because of the various inequalities in our treatment. It's heartbreaking.
Posted at 27/11/2006 08:33PM - shanker
There is a new treatment for prostate cancer: Check BBC City Hospital where they have used ultrasonic Sound Waves(is this Brachy which uses isotopes) to break the prostate cancer growth in a matter of minutes with just a tingling sensation. Of Indian origin I also pay for my medical insurance there. If I fall ill I just take a flight back and get instant treatment. My mother with cervical cancer would have died in the UK. It cost us around £ 5000 (Chemo/radio/Brachy/best oncologist).. Thank GOD
Posted at 27/11/2006 07:58PM - sjccollins
I have been a victim of this lottery for 9 years. My PCT are denying me potentially life saving surgery, despite the director of public health in my area approving the same procedure in a neighbouring PCT ! The procedure has been avaialable in other PCT areas in England since 2001. I have been in local press, local TV and I am featured in the Daily Express tomorrow, but still the PCT refuse me treatment. It's an absolute disgrace. Heads should roll for this!
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