"Access to drugs"

I was diagnosed with incurable ovarian cancer in April 2011. It was two years before I discovered I could not have a drug in Wales because I lived in the wrong postcode. Had I lived 11 miles to the NE I would have been in with a chance. Had I lived 40 miles to the West I would have been guaranteed the drug Bevazicumab.

Thinking back I had also been refused a referral to a clinical trial in England and was told patients didn't ask to go on trials but would be told if there was a suitable one. A friend had been told by her oncologist that a 2nd opinion would be helpful but her Health Board refused telling her to ask another doctor at the same hospital.

I realised in Wales that there is unfair access to drugs, clinical trials and second opinions. I now have an address in England where I can access a more transparent health service and a better range of treatments including surgical options that were not possible for me had I remained in Wales.

Wales needs a Patient Charter. Seems chaotic and unfair care in Wales

Cancer Centre should have 100% budget for patient care.

I had excellent care at the Royal Marsden.