NHS problems keep getting bigger (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

NHS problems keep getting bigger

WOMEN across the Cotswolds could be denied livesaving breast cancer drugs because the local NHS trust cannot afford them.

Cotswold and Vale Primary Care Trust's mounting debt has forced bosses to make drastic decisions in a bid to cut costs.

This week PCT chief executive Richard James said this could mean women in Gloucestershire suffering from breast cancer may not be allowed Herceptin - the so-called wonder drug which can massively improve cancer survival rates.

At a PCT board meeting this week he said this could mean the PCT would go against the guidelines set by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE).

This was despite recent high-profile cases where women have successfully fought local health authorities for the right to the drug and the fact that any legal fight could bankrupt local health services.

He said: "We cannot afford to spend money on the NICE drugs this year like Herceptin."

In an interview with the Standard he admitted: "We currently cannot afford it and we have the choice either to delay it or not fund it for this year.

"We have to make judgement on what we can afford and the choice will be sometimes between extending a life by some months or investing in other services. At the moment we are expect to do everything and we simply cannot do everything."

The announcement has been met with fierce opposition from breast cancer patients in the Cotswolds.

One patient from Cirencester, who did not want to be named, said: "It is an appalling example of the postcode lottery that exists in Britain's health service today.

"It is not right that women living in Gloucestershire will not be able to have treatment when women living a few miles away will not. Herceptin has only been in use for a short period of time but the results speak for themselves.

"When you have had breast cancer every single day counts and you desperately want to try any treatment to prevent it coming back or spreading further.

"I really hope breast cancer patients across Gloucestershire will join together and put pressure on the PCTs to change their mind."

Mr James also admitted the PCT was not in a position to fight any legal challenges which could be launched by women wanting to be prescribed Herceptin.

He said: "We cannot afford legal costs, it is one of the factors we will have to take into consideration. All three PCTs will be taking the same view."

Mr James also refused to speculate on the future of his position within the PCT when it merges with the other two Gloucestershire trusts in October this year.

He said: "I don't know what is happening to me - there are 300 chief executives of PCTs in the country and it is likely there will be 100 to 150 jobs for them so who knows? At best one of the three current chief executives will take over Gloucestershire, at worst none of us."