Valerie calls on Government to fund insulin patch pumps

On Monday 9 June 2014, Valerie Vaz MP, Walsall South, called on the Health Secretary to make insulin patch pumps available to sufferers of Type 1 Diabetes on the NHS. The picture shows Valerie with Grace Ryder at the Fayre on Saturday 7 June 2014.
Valerie said:

“I raised the availability of insulin patch pumps on the NHS in the debate on the Queen’s Speech on Monday 9 June 2014. Many people who suffer from Type 1 Diabetes have to use an insulin pump which is attached by a cannula to the stomach. These pumps are uncomfortable, difficult to wear under normal clothes and are not waterproof, which makes it difficult to take part in normal activities like swimming.”

“An alternative type of pump is available which delivers insulin which can be placed in various places on the skin. The unit, known as a patch pump, is much smaller than those which deliver insulin through a cannula and is waterproof. Patch pumps have the potential to vastly improve the quality of life of patients with Type 1 Diabetes. Unfortunately they are not available on the NHS and are prohibitively expensive for patients and their families. I have written to the Secretary of State and to the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence to ask that insulin patch pumps are made available on the NHS.”

“My constituent, 9 year old Grace Ryder invited me to the Delves Community Baptist Church Fayre on Saturday 9 June 2014, where she was raising money for diabetes charities and increasing awareness of diabetes. Grace is one of many people locally who are potentially affected by the difficult in obtaining insulin patch pumps on the NHS.”

“In October 2013, Diabetes UK reported that Walsall has the 7th highest rate of diabetes in England, with 8.8% of the population suffering from either Type 1 or Type 2 Diabetes. I arranged for the SilverStar Mobile Diabetes Unit to carry out diabetes tests. I was pleased that 38 people were tested.”