MS SUFFERERS MUST WAIT MONTHS FOR DECISION ON CANNABIS SPRAY
FUNDING

A DECISION about whether a cannabis-based treatment for multiple
sclerosis will be paid for by NHS trusts across the East Midlands is
due within months.

In June last year, the drug Sativex was licensed for use across the
country to treat MS, an incurable condition which damages the brain
and spine.

But the nasal spray, which was the first cannabis-based medicine to be
licensed in the UK, is still not being paid for by the national health
service in the East Midlands, according to the MS Society.

Yesterday, the charity called on the NHS's East Midlands Specialised
Commissioning Group, which pays for the treatment of complex health
problems, to make it available throughout the region.

The call follows talks among chiefs at the commissioning group about
whether to pay for the drug.

Last night, a spokesman for the commissioning group confirmed
discussions had been taking place which would lead to the creation of
a regional policy, adding: "The MS Society has already provided their
comments on this matter.

"Their views and opinions will be taken into account when a decision
is made on the future development and finalising of this policy over
the coming months."

The response comes after criticism from Jayne Spink, director of
policy and research at the MS Society, who said availability of the
drug across England was "incredibly patchy".

She said: "Sativex has undergone extensive clinical testing over many
years and has shown to be both safe and effective.

"Reducing spasticity will have benefits such as preventing falls,
reducing admissions and helping people retain their
independence."

Among those wishing to receive the drug is Susan Garrity, 59, of
Alfreton.

She was diagnosed with MS in 2000 and has been refused Sativex twice
despite requests from her neurologist that the health service pays for
her to have the drug.

Susan says it would improve her daily life because she experiences
such severe symptoms of spasticity, or muscle stiffness, that she is
no longer able to drive and cannot even walk to the local shops.

She said: "I have tried every other treatment going for spasticity and
nothing works.

"I was excited when I saw Sativex had been licensed because it gave me
another treatment option.

"But I have been refused and I'm not sure why. I see my granddaughter
playing in the garden and she shouts at me to chase her but I can't.
It breaks my heart. I'm upset and frustrated. I want to keep my
independence but I currently take nothing for my symptoms and I've
been left to suffer alone."