I am very keen on campaigning for all Cancer patients to receive the same level of care whether they are private or NHS. On July 27th 2014 I sadly lost my Dad to Lung Cancer, he did have private health through PruHealth although if he hadn't had this extensive level of private cover he wouldn't have received Chemotherapy as soon as he did nor would he would been given the drug Crizitonib(which for a few months was a miracle).
Luckily he did have private health care so he was able to receive his Chemotherapy quickly and the new wonder drug. If he was just a regular NHS patient he wouldn't have got the Chemo for weeks longer and the drug Crizitonib is unavailable due to its £8,000 a month price tag. The drug company who produce Crizitonib were actually willing to part fund the drug if the NHS took it onboard, but the NHS felt the money would be better spent elsewhere.
Private health care is fantastic but it should not make a difference when it comes to life threatening diseases such as Cancer. During my 13 month journey watching my Dad fight, we had good days and bad days but what I was always very aware of was the fact his private cover allowed him access to drugs he wouldn't have access to on the NHS and also the speed in which things happen. When someone has Cancer they should receive the same level of care regardless of their income, age, lifestyle etc..... Its a disgusting cruel and evil disease which no one should have to suffer, but while ever there is no cure then I want to fight for equal care for ALL patients suffering.
