Dying mum wins cancer appeal
DYING cancer patient Vilma Dallal has won her battle for a drug on the NHS.
The grandmother forced NHS Stoke-on-Trent into a U-turn after proving Avastin is beating her many tumours.
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Vilma Dallal and husband Dave
Now she is waiting to be prescribed the drug again after winning her three-month fight.
Mrs Dallal received Avastin for a year after claiming the £58,000 cost through her private insurance.
But that treatment stopped in February and NHS Stoke-on-Trent refused to pay up until this week's appeal hearing.
The treatment with Avastin helped reduce many of the tumours on the 56-year-old's lung, spine, bones, neck and lymph nodes to sizes no longer visible on scans.
Mrs Dallal, of Ainsdale Close, Lightwood, today thanked national cancer patient campaign group, The Pamela Northcott Fund, for successfully arguing that refusing the drug breached her human rights.
Mrs Dallal, who was an administrator at Blurton Health Centre until retiring through illness last year, said: "I'm so overjoyed it hasn't sunk in yet.
"The trust said I would be told the decision by letter next week but an official telephoned with the news on Wednesday night. I'm still numb with shock.
"I know I am still terminally ill but all I want is for this drug to buy me a bit more time with my eight-month-old grandson.
"I'm grateful for every extra day but I've now made up my mind I will be at my son Paul's wedding next June.
"The only sadness I feel is for those poor patients who have had their drugs turned down by health trusts."
The Pamela Northcott Fund brought in a barrister and two cancer specialists to win Mrs Dallal's case.
Group founder Kath Spall said: "The trust's processes must be flawed to ignore such exceptional medical evidence that Avastin was working. The way they effectively delayed her case was disgraceful."
Trust chief executive Graham Urwin today apologised to the family.
He said: "We know this has been, and will continue to be, a difficult time for Mrs Dallal and her family.
"But we take decisions based on the evidence before us and will always consider funding treatment where evidence suggests it will work."
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2 Comments
by Ellie, Lightwood
Friday, May 29 2009, 9:59AM
“Well Done. You will now be at your sons wedding. So pleased for you. Best wishes.”
by Chris, Newstead
Friday, May 29 2009, 9:33AM
“So glad you you won the battle for the drug.
Personally i think its discusting that anyone should have to fight to obtain an important drug, fighting for your health is hard enough.
Wishing you the very best.”