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The NKF is incensed by the decision of NICE

Release date Immediate

The NKF is incensed by the decision of NICE to turn down the Kidney Cancer drugs. We are beginning a campaign to fight this and will be demanding an appeal in order to argue against the NICE decision.

In the meantime we are contacting all our Kidney Patient Associations (KPA’s) and are urging them to approach their own MP’s about this dreadful decision. We are also requesting all interested parties to write to NICE immediately. Our website www.kidney.org.uk seen by 200,000 people each year now has this banner message scrolling across its homepage in pride of place – it says:-

‘NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) have announced that they will not agree to the NHS funding the four latest drugs to those patients suffering Cancer of the Kidney (Bevacizumab, sorafenib, sunitinib and temsirolimus). THE NKF made a submission to NICE arguing that these drugs should be available — and will appeal against this decision. The NKF asks you to let NICE know your own views on this matter — please do this now. Write to "Renal Cell Carcinoma Appraisal", NICE, MidCity Place, 71 High Holborn, London, WC1V 6NA.’

The National Kidney Federation represents 40,000 patients with End Stage Renal Failure (ESRF), and a further 3 million with some form of Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD) All these people have reason to fear for their future. This decision by NICE is barbaric, damaging  and unacceptable – it is as if NICE have no regard for their lives. If the NHS looks to bank balances before treating patients then it has truly lost its way. The NKF is mustering its troops.

ENDS

Further  enquiries direct to

Tim Statham - 01455 619128   tim.statham@btinternet.com

New NKF HQ Contact details:-

National Kidney Federation,
The Point, Coach Road, Shireoaks, Worksop, Notts S81 8BW

Tel (01909) 544999