SUSAN KRAMER MP CONDEMNS LOCAL NHS RESTRICTIONS TO SIGHTSAVING TREATMENT

5.27.59pm GMT Fri 1st Feb 2008

MP for Richmond Park Susan Kramer has condemned restrictions being placed by Richmond and Kingston Primary Care Trusts on vital sightsaving treatments, that are putting local patients at risk of going blind.

Richmond and Kingston Primary Care Trusts are currently restricting the treatment of patients with wet age-related macular degeneration, despite licensed new drugs being available that could halt the disease.

The both Kingston and Richmond PCTs are currently only prescribing the new macular degeneration drug Lucentis in 'exceptional cases', where someone has already lost the sight in one of their eyes.

"It is shameful that local PCTs are putting patients at risk of going totally blind by placing unfair restrictions on who can get sight saving treatments."

"According to figures from the Royal Institute for the Blind, this restriction means that Richmond PCT has funded this vital treatment for only one patient, and Kingston has not funded it for anyone at all."

"This is leaving patients with a dreadful choice, pay for treatment privately, or lose their sight. All patients in this area who could benefit from sight saving treatment should have it - immediately and without question."

"I will be taking this issue up with both local PCTs and urging them to change their policy immediately."