Monday 7 May 2012

BBC - Hunger strike woman from Peterborough wins NHS battle - 7 July 2010 Last updated at 20:19 - (sativex)

7 July 2010 Last updated at 20:19

Hunger strike woman from Peterborough wins NHS battle

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10547319

Two days after Angela Cavill-Burch appeared on BBC Look East the local primary care trust backed down

A woman from Peterborough who went on hunger strike to get better medical help, including a cannabis-based drug, for her husband has won her battle.

Angela Cavill-Burch has cared full-time for her tetraplegic husband Terence ever since he got an infection three years ago.

She said he needed the drug called Sativex, normally only licensed for MS sufferers, to ease his chronic pain.

The drug is now being provided. Mrs Cavill-Burch's protest lasted six days.

She had called on NHS Peterborough Community Services (NHS PCS) for more support over a nine-month period.

The case was featured on BBC Look East on Monday and now NHS PCS has agreed to provide the drug Sativex and reinstate physiotherapy as the medication works in conjunction with it.

Emergency night carers are also being provided for Mr Burch as an interim measure while full day and night time carers can be found.

Angela Cavill-Burch

“Start Quote

I should not have had to resort to such a drastic action to get people to listen to me”

Angela Cavill-Burch

Mrs Cavill-Burch said she was angry at how long the NHS PCS had taken to respond to her concerns.

"I should not have had to resort to such a drastic action to get people to listen to me," she told BBC Look East.

In a statement NHS PCS said: "A current review is now taking place to reassess these (the couple's) needs and to ensure that appropriate and effective care is in place in agreement with Mr Burch and Mrs Cavill-Burch."

Two meetings have already been set up for Mrs Cavill-Burch to meet with care agencies.

Two days after Angela Cavill-Burch appeared on BBC Look East the local primary care trust backed down

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