On 1 November 2018, the Conservative Government changed the law so that it is now legal for doctors on the specialist register of the General Medical Council to prescribe cannabis-based products for medicinal use in the UK. Richard Harrington MP has been a supporter of the campaign 'End Our Pain' and has been working closely with families in Watford whose children need access to vital medications.
On Monday 8th April 2019, Mr Harrington asked the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care about improving access to medications for vulnerable families.
Richard Harrington, Member of Parliament for Watford:
I would like to thank my right hon. Friend Sir Mike Penning for bringing this question forward, and I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. My constituents the Levys came to see me about their daughter, Fallon, who has LGS epilepsy. Her consultant neurologist has told the family that:
“the actual logistics of the prescribing has not yet been worked out”.
Why is this the case, and what can be done to ensure that Fallon has access to the necessary medication as soon as possible?
Matt Hancock MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care:
I should like my hon. Friend to write to me with the exact details of that case. The process for prescription by someone on the specialist register is well trodden; it is used for all sorts of unlicensed drugs, and it should be available. We are making a second opinion available to ensure that it can be brought to bear in cases such as these. I am interested in hearing about specific cases—this applies to everyone, not just to my hon. Friend—so that we can ensure that the appropriate clinical decisions can be made.
Mr Harrington has since written to the Secretary of State to ensure that Fallon can access the medication she needs.