This clinic will represent a lifeline to those who have found other treatments ineffective.
Britain’s first ever specialist clinic for medicinal cannabis has opened it’s doors in Greater Manchester.
The pioneering new centre, opened at The Beeches private health centre next to the Alexandra Hospital in Cheadle, Stockport. Currently only four people have so far accessed this treatment via the NHS and say the clinic will “act as a lifeline to those who have so far struggled to access the treatment.”
The private clinic will deal with patients suffering from chronic pain conditions, neurological condition such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease and psychiatric problems including depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder
It will reportedly cost around £200 to see a doctor at the new clinic and then £600 to £700 a month for a private prescription of cannabis – however the clinic insists that the service is aimed at people who have who have “exhausted all existing treatment options.”
The clinic will be led by Dr David McDowell, an independent pain specialist who issued the first prescription for medical cannabis, and consultant neurologist Professor Mike Barnes, will serve as Clinical Director.
Professor Barnes said: “Patients suffering from chronic pain and other serious neurological or psychiatric conditions have been crying out for this kind of life-changing treatment.
“This clinic will represent a lifeline to those who have found other treatments ineffective.
“This also brings the UK into line with other countries when it comes to pain management.
“The hope is that over time patients all around the country and not just in Manchester will have access to the relief that they need.”
Forzana Nasir, 32, who suffers from the genetic condition Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which leaves her in severe pain and suffering from nausea and vomiting, was prescribed medical cannabis by McDowell and says it has drastically improved her quality of life.
“Having access to this medicine allows me to ease my chronic pain which turns an unbearable day into a manageable day. It has been life-changing for me – I was almost bedbound before this and now I have much greater quality of life.
“It is so important that other patients in the UK who are suffering can have the same opportunity.
“This clinic opening is a significant step forward for healthcare in this country.”
Image – nwhearing
