Latest News from the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team

HELP FOR VICTIMS AND FAMILIES OF ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASES

We welcome this change of heart by NICE which now recommends the use Alimta, the only licensed drug for the treatment of mesothelioma, within the NHS. This decision ends over two years of post code lottery provision during which time mesothelioma patients in Scotland, Greater Manchester and the North East received treatment denied to patients elsewhere in the UK. In Derbyshire there have been a number of people who live in the High Peak attending the Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester and who were prescribed Alimta by their consultant but because they lived in Derbyshire were refused treatment. Appeal succeeded but had they lived only a few miles over the boarder they would not have had to overcome this obstacle. The NICE decision acknowledges the poor prognosis of mesothelioma sufferers and the importance of providing treatment which, although not curative, can be efficacious for some patients suffering from very aggressive and rare cancers. NICE also acknowledges that mesothelioma is uniquely caused by exposure to asbestos. DAST state that: “This excellent decision by NICE but it now needs to be swiftly acted on by PCTs throughout the country. Department of Health Guidance advises that every PCT “ should use its best endeavours to ensure that any new treatments recommended by NICE are available as soon as possible after NICE issues Technology Appraisal Guidance.” We are calling on all PCTs to fully comply with this guidance and to make immediate arrangements for the provision of Alimta for the treatment of mesothelioma. Source: The Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST) DAST 70 Saltergate Chesterfield Derbyshire Secretary - Joanne Carlin Chair - John Bradley Advisers/Volunteers - Mary Read, David Martin, Shay Boyle, and Pete Legge. Telephone 01246 231441 Fax 01246 231441 Email mail@safetyteam.u-net.com Email mail@asbestossupport.co.uk