Diabetic 'denied vital kit by cost'
A diabetic pensioner believes he has become a victim of NHS cuts.
Ron Jenkins said he has been told that there is no funding to replace the broken kit he has at home to test his blood sugar levels.
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The 75-year-old has not been able to carry out the test, which helps to judge whether his diabetes is under control, for five days.
Mr Jenkins, who struggles to leave his Wymeswold home, said: "I knew the machine I was using wasn't giving the right results.
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"In the past week, I have had two or three hypos (hypoglycaemic attacks), which are caused when blood sugar levels are too low.
"I then noticed the readings were the same every day, which isn't right. They should fluctuate, even if only slightly."
He called his diabetes specialist nurse at Leicester Royal Infirmary to explain the problem.
Mr Jenkins, a former Charnwood borough councillor, said: "The nurse told me she would organise a replacement machine but then called back to say NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland would not allow it to be dispatched because of the cost.
"I am worried about not being able to test my blood sugar levels.
"It could be very dangerous if the levels go too high or too low, but I have no way of telling if this is beginning to happen."
Mr Jenkins, who was diagnosed with diabetes in 1988, said he had no idea how much the testing kits cost, but he has always been provided with one since his diagnosis.
He said: "This is a blatant case of lack of care in the community because of the cost.
"I have been in touch with the primary care trust (PCT) but the person I spoke to said they would have to speak to someone and would call back.
"No one did call me back. I called again on Monday and was again told someone would call me, but I have heard nothing."
A pharmacist, who asked not to be identified, said: "The machines are relatively cheap.
"It is the testing strips which are more expensive and which the PCT pays for."
Ved Dhiman, chairman of the patient participation group at the Brandon Street GP practice, in Leicester, who also has diabetes, said: "Not having a testing monitor can cause a lot of problems. Your life can depend on it."
A spokesman for the PCT said: "We can confirm we have received a complaint.
"However, as the process to resolve the matter is ongoing we cannot comment on this individual complaint at this time.
"We acknowledge the serious nature of this case.
"The PCT is working closely with the GP practice and the individual to ensure the matter is resolved as quickly as possible and without further delay for the patient.
"We will have more information when it is available."
Comments
by City_C10
Thursday, September 06 2012, 9:50PM
“Gary - "Start with cutting Government both central & local ." All funding is set by Centre Government...?
"in real terms that means less MP's, Mayors, Assistant Mayors, Deputy Assistant Mayors." Does it?
"Next - cut personal taxation. Give us our money back to spend as we wish because we are better spending it than (and on) Government." Do you you mean reduce taxes?
"Cut immigration." How, and do you know the pros and/or cons of this to the country?
Need I go on?”
by redcat
Thursday, September 06 2012, 7:28PM
“"A spokesman for the PCT said: "We can confirm we have received a complaint.
"However, as the process to resolve the matter is ongoing we cannot comment on this individual complaint at this time".
-Anyone else get the impression they are rather hoping the problem will go away...”
by garyb2011
Thursday, September 06 2012, 3:54PM
“City_C10
Start with cutting Government both central & local - in real terms that means less MP's, Mayors, Assistant Mayors, Deputy Assistant Mayors. I would actually consider having more local Councillors but on a fixed lower allowance - this would widen the party mix and attract those that want to serve rather than earn.
Next - cut personal taxation. Give us our money back to spend as we wish because we are better spending it than (and on) Government.
Cut immigration.
Cuttax loopholes. These loopholes have been created by politicians and make things worse. Keep it simple and keep it low.
Cut immigration
Cut benefits. Child benefit should stop at 2 children as an example. If you want a large family - you pay for it.
Cut overseas aid
Cut our contribution to the EU
Cut our commitment to the enforcement of every EU Directive
Cut our individual dependency on the State”
by LikeItaLot
Thursday, September 06 2012, 11:58AM
“So a Type 2 diabetic earning say 100K and someone earning say 20K. Both get a mild chest infection, but the 2nd has to pay prescription charge for antibiotics. That makes sense.
To those who say the diabetic is more vulnerable, I am assuming a well maintained otherwise type 2 diabetic.”
by City_C10
Thursday, September 06 2012, 11:05AM
“Hi Gary,
Only just noticed your comment there:
What areas (sectors) would or should be cut? I do not believe that any health care cuts are right or not to the extent, it has been. Health care can mean the difference of life or death! I would look into the benefit system and cut a lot from there. Cuts were going to happen to all sectors but it is all about how hard the cuts are. In the health service, I feel they are far too strong.
What do you think Gary?”
by LikeItaLot
Thursday, September 06 2012, 10:03AM
“Or how about this. Diabetics receive free prescription and that is totally right as with some other chronic conditions. But the entitlement covers all other prescriptions. Medication prescribed because of the condition, insulin, BP, aspirin etc, should be free but why say antibiotics?
Of course if income levels normally qualify for a free precription that's OK but otherwise why free for all.”
by LeicsSoul
Thursday, September 06 2012, 8:12AM
“Right, after reading all the comments, maybe people should think... what is more important, the NHS being able to spend money on cancer drugs and other medicine that is a necessity to SAVE a life... which i can assure people is not cheap... The NHS will supply the testing strips on free prescription what more do you want... Money will only go so far, so seriously you're problem is with £8.00? As for the man having Hypos... you can get tell-tail signs, which you can act upon, and even if you dont, to be honest a machine wouldnt tell you you were going to crash. The machine cannot tell the future.
I know this sounds harsh, but seriously you people need to give the NHS a break.”
by RubyRama
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 8:52PM
“I feel a bit angry with this. Yes the cuts are diabolical and the sooner we can vote Cameron out, the better. However I think that the the only purpose this article serves is to let people know that this is the case with meters. Could Mr. Jenkins not have bought a replacement meter? I am diabetic and think that should have been a priority, not wait for 5 days without being able to monitor his levels. The monitors can be relatively cheap - I just bought a new one for a tenner - I am grateful that I get the testing strips free. A tenner is great value for many years of use.”
by DonHenson
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 8:34PM
“My testing machine cost me just over £8. The strips and lancets are prescribed free. And the equipment is better than the one I was given by my GP, which gave too high a reading.”
by garyb2011
Wednesday, September 05 2012, 8:09PM
“City_C10
So what were the right areas to cut?”