‘It’s unacceptable that Sativex isn’t being funded in our area’
A HEARTBROKEN wife has joined more than 2,000 people demanding NHS bodies end a postcode lottery for access to multiple sclerosis drug Sativex.
Maureen Kirchin contacted NHS East and North Hertfordshire on behalf of her husband Philip, 68, who has primary progressive MS.
She said: “Everyone with MS should be able to access a medication to help them.
“It’s completely unacceptable that Sativex isn’t being funded in our area, so I’ve taken action and contacted our clinical commissioning group.”
The cannabis-based mouth spray is only approved for people with moderate-severe spasticity for whom other treatments have not worked.
Thanks
But half of England’s commissioning groups are not routinely funding the drug, meaning that thousands of patients are missing out based purely on where they live.
The MS Society joined forces with the Daily Express last month to crusade for fair access to the treatment.
The charity launched a tool on its website which allows people to check whether their Clinical Commissioning Group funds Sativex and send an email calling for change if not.
And more than 2,000 have joined the fight. Nick Moberly, MS Society chief executive, said: “This is a significant milestone in our campaign to end the Sativex postcode lottery.
“We would like to thank every single person who has taken action, as well as the Daily Express for their incredible ongoing support.”
MS Society research found only 49 out of England’s 106 CCGs were funding Sativex.
All those not providing the drug have now received at least one email from a local campaign supporter. Norfolk and Waveney, Berkshire West and West Sussex have received the most contacts, at over 90 each.
Spelling out the agony MS sufferers can experience, Maureen described her husband’s harrowing condition.
She said: “Philip’s mobility is very limited. He has to be hoisted around, he’s right handed but has lost the use of that hand, just a tiny bit of feeling remains in his left hand. His MS also affects his hearing, eyesight, speech, and cognition.
“On top of all of this, he gets terrible spasms which make it hard for him to sleep. It’s soul destroying for him, and it breaks my heart. I read of someone who was given Sativex and it changed their life – Philip deserves that opportunity.”
Maureen said that if Philip could get through a day without spasms and sleep better, it would make life more bearable.
She added: “He’s tried so many other treatments, but nothing works.”
Earlier this month, NHS England wrote to all CCGs reminding them of 2019 guidance recommending Sativex in cases like Philip’s.
But campaigners said there was still a long way to go to ensure equitable access.
Mr Moberly added: “While it is encouraging to see so much pressure on England’s CCGs, it’s vital we don’t lose momentum until everyone with MS who is eligible for Sativex can access it.”