Update on Department of Health Part IX Drug Tariff consultation January 2008

Incontact continues to lobby the Government through a coalition of Urology Group Users that include the Spinal Injury Association, The MS Trust, The Urostomy Association, The Back UP Trust, ASBAH, ERIC, Promocon, The Continence Foundation. A further clarification meeting was held with the Commercial Directorate of the Department of Health, and Deloitte Touche their consultancy accountants at the end of November. Meetings with and correspondence to Parliamentarians continues.

It is Incontact's aim to ensure that patients continue to have access to high quality urology/continence/stoma products and services, in order to continue to have the ability to exercise patient choice in what is in a very personal area.

Incontact continues to be worried that in its current form, the proposals in the consultation may lead to:

- Specialist products withdrawn*

- Removal of choice and disruption to users

- Reduced quality of life, potential loss of independence and diginity to users

- Serious medical complications for some patients

- Stifling of further product innovation

- Increased demands on NHS professionals and NHS costs

- Service cutbacks

*Manufacturers are currently unable to specify which products are likely to be withdrawn.

The consultation ended on the 28th December 2007. However, no final decision has yet been made on proposals and we are hopeful that with continuing lobbying they will be amended. However, to that effect, it is important to continue to make the Department of Health and the responsible minister, Dawn Primarolo fully aware of the potential negative and life changing consequences for the users we represent. A copy of Incontact's and COB's response can be downloaded by clicking the link below:

Incontact's and COB's response

We have already received support from a number of Members of Parliament; many have already signed Early Day Motion (EDM) 287.

It is vital that all MP's are made aware of the likely impact that the proposals will have on users' lives. It would be helpful if you could send a letter to your MP pointing out the potential outcome of the proposals and asking them to sign EDM 287. A template letter is available - please click on the link below to download a copy of the letter:

MP Letter

 To find the name of your local MP go to www.parliament.uk/directories/directories.cfm