PEN NEEDLES ON PRESCRIPTION FOR DIABETICS

Early day motion 18, tabled 24 November 1998 by Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 95 members.

That this House calls upon the Secretary of State for Health to acknowledge that insulin-dependent diabetics will require pen needles throughout their entire lifetime; notes that insulin-dependent diabetics have to care for themselves on a day to day basis; notes that diabetics using pen needles benefit from better control of diabetes and are likely to have fewer complications; notes that pen needles are re-used more often than syringe needles; notes that pen devices are more convenient for use by children, the elderly, the visually impaired and stroke sufferers; notes that the present system whereby some patients are provided with needles free through their diabetic clinics but paid for by the NHS is unfair; and calls for an early review of current policy and for provision of pen needles on prescription for all insulin-dependent diabetics.

Signatures by party: Labour 52, Liberal Democrat 26, Conservative 5, Labour/Co-operative 3, Scottish National Party 3, UUP 3, Plaid Cymru 2, Unknown 1.