Mar 16 2008
Postcode Lottery Health Care
Many of you will have read in the The York Press earlier this week about the shocking figures revealing that more than 1,000 people have been denied treatment by North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust in 2007 following the introduction of its vetting panel. Following this shocking news I have written to the Chief Executive of North Yorkshire and York PCT calling for an urgent meeting to discuss these recent revelations.
In my letter to the Chief Executive, I have said:
“I am deeply concerned to learn about the large number of patients who have been refused treatment during 2007 by North Yorkshire and York Primary Care Trust’s vetting panel. At the time your PCT set this up, there was great opposition from local GPs who felt this would restrict the service they could provide and caused great distress to patients.
“Given the impact this policy is having in North Yorkshire, and the large number of concerned residents who have contacted me on this matter in the York Outer area, I would very much welcome an opportunity to discuss this in greater detail with you. I feel it is important that we have clarity over this issue given the great concern over healthcare in North Yorkshire, and the fear from a number of quarters that we are ending up with a postcode lottery health care service in our region.
“I look forward to you response and very much hope that we can meet in the very near future to discuss my concerns further.”
One of the questions I want answering is when the Humber’s Strategic Health Authority is expected to end the year with a staggering £280 million surplus, why should patients in North Yorkshire still suffer from a postcard lottery health care service?
Dear Julian
I would very much like to discuss with you the ‘post code lottery.’ I have been trying for 5 years to get surgery on my spine (spinal stenosis). I have even researched myself a surgeon in Southampton who performs a new procedure ‘the x stop procedure’ which costs £1800 (last year) on the NHS as against £10,000 for the old operation. But my GP informed me that York trust would not pay for it.
Up until my spinal problem, I worked in senior management, overseas in the Oil/Gas industry. Now I survive on benefits but am desperate to get surgery and return to my employment, something this inept, no talent, soundbite government keeps trumpeting about.
As I live alone and on benefits, I cannot afford to have an internet connection at home, so I come to the Bishopthorpe library once a week to use the facility. Therefore should you wish to contact me, my address is 35 maple Avenue, Bishopthorpe, York YO23 2RG.
Tel: 07941 367387 (Mobile)
PS After years of waiting, I am finally going into YDH for a hernia operation anytime soon and after this fully intend to contact the press and any other organization which may take up my case for sugery on my back.
Kind regards
Kevin Williams (MR)