We were truly saddened to hear this tragic story sent to us by Islander Robert Wilkinson. We hope that by running Robert’s story we can help raise awareness and open the debate surrounding the decision by the NHS. In his own words – Ed
On Thursday, 12th January I was handed a death sentence (sooner rather than later), not by a court of law, the judiciary are not allowed to do such things, but by an anonymous board of the Health Service.
I was told by my consultant oncologist that his application for funding to treat me with a further course of chemo-therapy had been turned down by ‘the local board’. He does not know who the members of this board are, as they sit behind closed doors making decisions on treatment for patients.
Where is second to none health service?
I am only 63 years old, I have a wife and a relatively young family. I have worked since the age of 16, paid my taxes and always believed there was a second to none health service in times of need.
I was diagnosed with cancer of the bladder almost two years ago. Whilst the cancer was controlled and suppressed by the early treatments, last year it spread into the lymph nodes, but again responded well to chemo-therapy. Six months after that treatment the nodes have become enlarged again and a different chemo is required.
New chemo will improve quality of life
I know I will die one day, sooner than I could have expected, my cancer is incurable but is it too much to expect a good quality of life until that time comes?
This new chemo will hopefully prolong my life and I will have a reasonable quality of life with my family, that is all I can expect. Is this too much to ask for?
New drug requires funding approval
My oncologist last year told me that funding was in place for a new chemo drug, it is proven to have fewer side effects and if successful, prolong my life.
My new oncologist can find no record of this funding, but applied to the ‘local’ board for funding. I have been told that no one on the Island has received this chemo named ‘Vinflunine’ as it is fairly new and expensive.
It is this further new chemo treatment that the ‘board’ has refused to fund, shortening my life expectancy.
Why no appeal process?
In our society of today how can such a board sit in complete anonymity and make such decisions without an appeal process that can include the patient and his or her representative.
I challenge this board to reveal themselves and meet, face to face with me and any others who they handed such death sentences to and justify their decisions.
If I were sentenced in a court, for whatever crime or reason, I would have a right of appeal and I would know the reasons why such a decision had been made.
However the Health Service puts itself above the natural justice we enjoy in this country and just announces its decision, no reasons, no explanation, no appeal and no justice.
Left to die
Is this considered to be acceptable as long as its kept under wraps and only affects a minority, many of whom have reached a point where they do not have strength to stand up to these ‘authorities’.
Yes I feel angry, of course I do but more than that, I feel so totally let down.
All hope has been snatched away from me. I feel like I have been left to die.
