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[Seahorse]

With the recent publication of the Women's Health Plan in Scotland I thought it might be productive and good timing to contact the Women's Health Minister Maree Todd. In particular in relation to the limited access to different types of HRT especially Utrogestan in parts of Scotland, and generally people's personal experience with Health Care Professionals/getting HRT prescribed at all etc. I have started to write my email this afternoon. I thought it might be good to strike while the iron is hot when everyone should be feeling motivated and enthusiastic!  I think mass pester power can pay off at times.  What do people think?

[CLKD]

I've been composing an e-mail to my local MP in the Midlands since March 2020 about the care industry.  I tend to waffle so took my time: each time an issue arose where Mum stays, I added it to the letter. 

A few weeks ago I read and edited appropriately, then sent off an e-mail.  Surprisingly I've had a very good response, she has obviously read my moans and groans - now awaiting the next step.  I would like a face2face meeting purely to discuss what I have found especially as where Mum stays had a damning CQC report!!! 

What's to lose?  I think it's important to badger our MPs about health in general considering it's all shut due to C-19 according to them.  Some GPs are still not seeing patients face2face - which is disgusting in MHO.

Let us know how you get on.  R U siting your own problems as well?  Lay it on thick ?? ;-)

[SamEdin]

I’ve tried email and Twitter so far.. nothing :/

[CLKD]

Who did U send your e-mail too?  I would avoid Twitter, it's too open.  A personal e-mail or typed letter to your MP might be the way to progress?

[Limpy]

Who did U send your e-mail too?  I would avoid Twitter, it's too open.  A personal e-mail or typed letter to your MP might be the way to progress?

I get your point about Twitter being too open BUT may be a handy way of getting a general response to kick off mass "pester power".

[Postmeno3]

Whatever is going to get the desired result?

[SamEdin]

I emailed Maree Todd and Deidre Brock.
Had an auto Scot government response saying I get response within 20 days. That was 7th July.
Nothing.

[Opal]

I have contacted my local MSP Nicola Sturgeon ( First Minister ) and also my MP Alison Thewliss all I ever get is an automated reply them hear nothing

[SamEdin]

Anyone had anything back?

[Seahorse]

Hi I got a reply from Maree Todd's office. It was very disappointing to be honest. In relation to utrogestan it just talked about the usual SMC recommendation and that requests can be made for individual patients using a process called PACS. But I had already explained in my original email that PACS was not an option in Lothian as I have discovered from my recent FOI. The email concluded by saying "I hope that this information is helpful, and provides you with some reassurance of our ambition and determination to ensure women have access to the best possible menopause care in Scotland." Eh no quite the opposite, it left me angry and frustrated! I have sent another follow up email explaining my frustrations. I said that if they can't even enable equal access across Scotland to the safest form of HRT how can we have have any faith in them to deliver the even more complex aspects such as training and access to specialist clinics. I have also emailed the shadow Women's Health ministers for Labour and Conservative and have had nothing at all back from them. Arghh where is the nearest brick wall!!

[CLKD]

Well done U!  I need to get bum off sofa and chase up my niggles too! 

[Oddsocks]

I’m in the Highlands and you can download the prescribing formulary. First line HRT is for patches, and bioidentical hormones don’t seem to feature. I think you have to go to the menopause clinic for that and you are no longer allowed to self refer.
I’m guessing each health authority has its own rules.

[Seahorse]

Hi Oddsocks It very much is a postcode lottery. Even within an individual health board it seems potluck depending on your GP. The SMC decision not to recommend Utrogestan back in 2009 is definitely the stumbling block in Scotland, as it gives Health boards and indeed MPs an easy excuse. I have just been prescribed Testosterone by my GP after he consulted with the menopause clinic which is fantastic. However it is not on the prescription formulary and it's not licensed for women! It's all so illogical.

[Seahorse]

Hi. Just to update i got a reply today to my second follow up email to Maree Todd's office. The main points were;
"As you know, the SMC would welcome a resubmission in regard to Utrogestan® at any time, taking into
account the issues raised in their assessment. However, it remains the case that – to date - the SMC
has received no further information from the manufacturer concerning their resubmission plans for
Utrogestan®. It should be stressed that the decision on whether or not to make a submission is one
purely for the pharmaceutical company. In addition, I understand that NHS Lothian is working hard to
find a solution that will improve women’s access to Utrogestan®"
So basically the Pharmaceutical company has to think it's worth the time and effort to put in another submission. Not sure that the Scottish market will be worth the effort? Also how hard is it for NHS Lothian to find a solution to improve access to Utrogestan??? Just allow it to be prescribed as it already is in many Scottish health boards, clearly not that challenging. Arghhhhhh!!!!
Still not heard anything back from the Shadow Women's Health Ministers I contacted. So not a particular priority for them.