The appeal was upheld and the appraisal committee looked again at the drugs. A decision was expected last December, but Nice then decided to commission research into the cost to the health service. It has now said the decision will be made in July. People with MS have been picketing Nice board meetings in protest at the delay, which Mr Cardy believes is unforgivable. It has allowed hundreds of people to cease to be eligible for treatment, even if it finally recommends treatment.
Beta interferons have to be prescribed while the patient is still active.
Dr Lloyd, who is 35, used to work for the authority and understands the predicament. They must stay within budget. My beef isn't with the health authority, it's with the national institute taking so long. MS hit him suddenly around Christmas 1999. I had trouble asking for a 30ml syringe, then my hands started to go numb.