A Labour MP has claimed that patients are struggling to obtain drugs for common life-threatening conditions in 80% of NHS Trusts due to NHS drugs shortage caused by EU exports.
The MP is calling for action over the NHS drugs shortage as the quotas set by manufacturing companies are failing UK patients in favour of more lucrative exports to other European countries.
The MP submitted a freedom of information request after a woman in his constituency was unable to obtain the breast cancer drug she had on prescription as it was out of stock. He said that the chemist concerned had contacted other chemist, distributors of the drug and the manufacturer of the drug without success.
More than 60 NHS trusts responded to his inquiry with 4 out of 5 reporting delays in obtaining stocks.
Swain & Co.’s specialist medical negligence solicitors say that drugs to treat cancer and Alzheimer’s disease are among the most commonly-prescribed medicines that are running short. This caused anxiety in patients that have been prescribed and have been taking the drugs, but also poses dangers for those who have been diagnosed with cancer as shortages in drugs can lead to delays in treatment.
Not only are patients not getting access to the drugs they need and have been prescribed, but doctors and chemists are spending on average 5 hours per week trying to source the commonly-prescribed drugs.
Patient safety should be paramount and we back the Department of Health’s move to investigate the scale of the problem.
Delays in treating conditions such as cancer can leave patients facing avoidable complications and in the most severe cases, it can mean a shortened life expectancy.
If you have suffered from failures or delays in diagnosis of cancer or other medical conditions, then you need to speak to Swain & Co.’s expert medical negligence lawyers.
We can act on a no win no fee basis or legal aid may be available to you, we offer free advice in an initial consultation and our number is free to.
Call today on 0800 0351 999
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