Olympic rower James Cracknell backs Epilepsy Society call to Keir Starmer to fix the medicines supply chain
Epilepsy Society has asked Prime Minister Keir Starmer for an early Christmas present - a review of the medicines supply chain. In the last year many people with epilepsy have struggled to get their life-saving medication because of problems with medication shortages.
James Cracknell, former Olympian and now an endurance athlete who developed epilepsy after a brain injury, joined campaigners from the charity outside the Houses of Parliament. He said: “Epilepsy medication is a potentially life-saving medication that can be the difference between having seizures or being able to get on with your life. I take it, I don't want to take it, but it is in the interests of my safety and my kids' safety for me to take it.
"It is also in the public's interest that everyone who has the condition and is able to drive has access to their anti-seizure medication. The serious accidents that would happen if someone had a seizure whilst driving don't bear thinking about.
"It is vital that people with epilepsy can access their drugs when they need them and in the quantities they need."
A survey conducted this year showed that 70 percent of respondents have had difficulties getting hold of vital medication, with nearly a quarter (22 per cent) reporting problems in the previous month. Over half (55 per cent) needed to visit multiple pharmacies before getting hold of their medication, and two-thirds were only given a fraction of the amount that was on their prescription to tide them over until more supplies were available.
CEO of the Independent Pharmacy Association, Dr Layla Hannbeck also showed her support for the campaign as the medicine supply shortage also impacts on pharmacists who spend many hours trying to track down medication for their customers.
Chloe Christoforou, who has epilepsy, presented a letter to 10 Downing Street on behalf of the 630,000 people who live with the condition and need medication on time, at the right dose and in the right quantity.
On one occasion, Chloe spent £60 visiting 11 different pharmacies to get her medication.
In the letter she tells Keir Starmer: “We cannot face another year of medication shortages. Please make sure that in 2025 we get out medication on time, at the right dose and in the right quantity.”
Clare Pelham, Chief Executive at the Epilepsy Society, said: “There should not be a struggle to get a prescription for what can be a life-saving medication. This has to be a fundamental right. People often talk about a postcode lottery in healthcare. But what we have here is much worse. It is an international lottery. Put quite simply, you are more likely to experience shortages of your potentially lifesaving epilepsy medication if you live in Britain than in many other comparable countries.
“The Government needs to take action now with a commitment this Christmas to a review of the medicines supply chain. Delay might quite literally cost lives.”