"Suggest Partners consider evidence based decisions"

Today I attended and discussed my repeats 2 of which are for a licensed drug. Within an hour of the appointment I receive a call from said GP. The Partners, without asking to speak to me or see my medical evidence, have gone against the recommendation of three hospital consultants and decided that I should not access this drug. I have essentially been left high and dry without even a lesser dose to tide me over! This drug I might add works best when taken consistently. I fail to understand why the NHS has paid (in the last 18months) for me to see said Consultants and stay overnight at considerable expense if a mere GP is to over-ride their considerable knowledge. I fear this is a cost and paperwork avoiding exercise and that my physical and mental health will suffer as a consequence. I will then need more appointments and more drugs to deal with the inevitable increase in debilitation and symptoms. But hey, so long as they save money in the short-term. What a false economy! It is disconcerting that in a listening and learning culture a GP who has only known me for 15 mins can decide that my best interests are served by coming off a licensed drug. Does it not occur to them to ask formy notes (I have them and can highlight the relevant passages) before rushing to their balance sheets? I suspect the bottom line is that evidence of cost can be a powerful disincentive to research a patients documented needs. I now feel that I do not matter. That my problems are inconsequential to the point that a carefully put together treatment plan can be swept away at a moments notice. A stressful afternoon all in all. Not a good day for the GP profession either. I no longer feel that medicine is a science but more of a Postcode lottery. It comes to something when 10 years of stability and access to medication can be over-ruled in the space of one hour. Boy I must have come across as fit as a flea for all of 15 minutes! I shall definitely be raising this with my MP should the GP concerned keep to their word and type up a letter justifying their actions. I shall then have something to show the various professors involved in my original diagnoses.

In summary a quick decision isn't always a good decision. Perhaps the GP involved can reflect on their decision and it's impact on my overall well-being before rushing to delete medications from my repeats. It's not as if a substitute were ever forthcoming.