Patients need and deserve more than hollow promises

It happens so often in politics. An under-pressure minister, be it north or south of the border, makes a quick decision to ease the pressure and take themselves out of the limelight.

In this case, it was Home Secretary Sajid Javid who earlier this year found himself at the centre of a maelstrom surrounding cannabis-based medicines. Controversy had erupted when the mother of Billy Caldwell had such treatments confiscated by customs officers at Heathrow Airport as she took them into the UK.

Charlotte Caldwell used the drugs to treat her son’s epilepsy, claiming they reduced his seizures.

As a result of the case the Home Secretary relaxed the law, allowing similar drugs to be made available on prescription.

Good move, you would think. A victory for common sense and a boon for patients.

In theory yes, but in practice no. It seems that, while Mr Javid’s gesture was welcome, there clearly remains huge confusion over who should qualify for such treatments.

One case in point is Caroline Burns, who is featured in today’s Sunday Post. For three years she has used a cannabis-based drug to treat her brain tumour. She has done this illegally, given that until Mr Javid’s ruling she was, in effect, possessing an illicit substance.

It is, therefore, almost beyond comprehension that when she tried to apply to receive this product on prescription she hit a brick wall.

Her own doctors refused to put her forward for consideration, citing, among other reasons, a lack of clarity around guidelines.

This is simply unacceptable. Such issues should have been resolved earlier.

Sadly, there is a real risk that Mr Javid’s decision could become an empty gesture.