MP champions manifesto to help save NHS millions
PLYMOUTH MP Oliver Colvile has joined forces with leading health charities, doctors and nurses calling for improvements in diagnosis and care for the estimated 1.38 million people in the UK suffering from iron deficiency anaemia (IDA).
The Anaemia Manifesto, launched on Wednesday 29 June in Parliament, aims to improve diagnosis and management of the condition, which affects many people with chronic diseases and sees patients suffering from fatigue as well as problems with concentration, fast heartbeat, shortness of breath, dizziness and fainting.
Hospital emergency admissions for IDA across England are rising, with more than 17,000 admissions every year, costing the NHS £28.3 million. Currently, management of IDA is inconsistent across England and many people do not receive appropriate diagnosis or treatment.
Oliver Colvile, MP for Plymouth Sutton & Devonport, who chaired the Manifesto launch on Wednesday, said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the Anaemia Manifesto. It is rare to be faced with a condition that is eminently treatable, and the offer of potential solutions for both patients and a burdened NHS make this Manifesto all the more important and worthy of consideration. We now need take action and start working towards better recognition and management of IDA in our healthcare system.”
There are three main causes of IDA: blood loss, inflammation and the inability to absorb iron. This is why IDA can often be linked with conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, digestive disorders, chronic heart failure, lung disease, rheumatoid arthritis and kidney disease. Collectively, these symptoms impact on quality of life and make it difficult to carry out everyday activities.
John Faulds, Blood Conservation Co-ordination at The Royal Cornwall Trust, said: “With the support of the Kernow Commissioning Group, have worked together to implement an integrated Anaemia Service. The Anaemia Manifesto supports our emerging anaemia programme, allowing us to challenge traditional beliefs through collaborative partnerships, allowing us to collate valuable data and support research. Both local patient and clinical feedback has been very positive, ensuing an increased demand for the service and subsequent national interest in the model of care we have developed.”
The Manifesto sets out a five-point plan to improve IDA services in England:
- Define overarching best practice principles for diagnosis and management of IDA in England and ensure specific guidelines for IDA are developed
- Tailor services locally through: review of local areas, identification of an ‘IDA champion’ for acute care hospitals, development of local care pathways and a best practice tariff for IDA management
- Developing an evidence base through studies for both treatment of IDA and cost-effectiveness of improving IDA management
- Educate healthcare professionals through e-learning packages as well as developing patient education materials
- Define and measure success through a number of metrics
