This is what I have now sent to my MP for onward transmission to the Minister, Jane Ellison. The formatting has gone to hell when I copy/pasted. If you'd like to send a similar letter to your MP and would like this as a template, message me and I'll send you a version that doesn't look so naff. :0)
Do, please, consider writing to your MP. If you've had particular problems, do include them. I don't know about you, but I don't often find a use for a politician. Here is one! They are supposed to be our representatives. If we don't ask we are unlikely to get ...
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In December 2013 Mrs Caroline Spelman, Conservative MP for Meriden, raised the subject of hypothyroidism in Parliament. Here is a link to the Hansard debate, for your convenience: publications.parliament.uk/....
There is a large number of people in this country with thyroidism (not just hypothyroid) who find that the limited treatment options available to them do not help them. Many have difficulty getting diagnosed at all. I belong to an online community where such people congregate to share their woes and successes: Health Unlocked - Thyroid.
Mrs Spelman raised the subject as a result of one of HU-Thyroid's Trustees contacting her. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health (Jane Ellison) was present. Her response to Mrs Spelman is at 11.13 on the Hansard report linked above. This was knowledgeable, as far as it went. However, that there are so many people still so unwell with thyroid problems points to some kind of failure in the current diagnosing and treatment of thyroid malfunctions (there are a number of different - sometimes very subtle - ways in which thyroids can malfunction).
I wrote to Mrs Spelman, setting out some of the more important changes the HU-Thyroid website members would like to see to the way the NHS treats thyroid patients. She advised that I write to Jane Ellison, via your goodself, with our concerns. This is that letter. Below is the list of things we would very much like to see improved.
More research into what is causing the epidemic of thyroid disease across the world.
Better training for Endocrinologists and GPs.
investigation into a broader panel of treatments for thyroid malfunction. Most hypothyroid patients do well on Levothyroxine, the only drug offered by the NHS. However, a significant minority do not (I am one such).
a regular, broad, panel of blood tests being done for thyroid patients who still exhibit symptoms, to assist in diagnosis and treatment
Investigation into why the NHS is paying higher prices for T3 the rest of Europe.
A ban on the practice of drug companies paying commission etc to surgeries and GPs to use their drugs.
putting Thyroid issues on the occupational health agenda so as to help safeguard individual employees, and potential employees, ensuring that the symptoms and impairments experienced are acknowledged by NHS and employers; the current failure to do this is ethically wrong and discriminatory .
And, perhaps most importantly, we need an acknowledgement that current diagnosis and care is inadequate for a significant minority of sufferers from thyroid disease. The thyroid affects the body in many subtle ways (too many to go into here). The experience of unwellness expresses itself differently in almost every sufferer. There are commonalities, of course. But the differences are legion. Currently only a few symptoms are acknowledged as being a legitimate part of a diagnosis.
My MP asked for clinicians' names who support T3, to back up his support of the campaign
Scottish Parliamentary Committee Meeting
Send the Joint Document to your MP and ask for his support!
Outrageous reply from MP/Government Minister. This is a bit long, but worth reading as a classic example of political buck-passing!
Getting MPs Involved with Thyroid Care
