- Target:
- We need the Department of Health to introduce UK guidelines for NHS, and NICE,
- Region:
- GLOBAL
Thousands of people are suffering from the debilitating symptoms of hyperparathyroidism for years; because there are no UK guidelines. Primary hyperparathyroidism is documented as the 3rd most common endocrine disease yet many UK GP's do not know how to diagnose or recognise symptoms. The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence have no guidelines because the Department of Health have not requested them.
The British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid surgeons (BAETS) have said they are willing to work with NICE to create them. The only cure for primary hyperparathyroidism is surgery which can be life changing for many; an instant end to years of bone pain and confusion with symptoms such as memory loss, blurred vision, headaches, kidney stones, and bone density loss also being eliminated.
People in the UK are being denied surgery if they are over 50 or their blood calcium is less than 3mmol/l. Guidelines need to overule/update these outdated beliefs in order for people to get access to life saving surgery (minimally invasive parathyroidectomy). Some British surgeons are following North American guidelines. The British Government needs to introduce guidelines and educate British doctors who currently misdiagnose this condition on a prolific scale.
More information can be found on FB group: Hyperparathyroid UK Action 4 Change or follow me on Twitter @SpSallie
We, the undersigned, call on the Department of Health to produce NHS and NICE guidelines regarding the symptoms of Hyperparathyroidism, how to diagnose and to bring surgery deadlines in line with other surgical procedures of 18 weeks.
We ask for production of leaflets or posters to be issued to all medical centres to raise awareness of General Practitioners, nursing staff and the general public as well as All hospital Departments affected by Hyperparathyroidism including Endocrinology, Cardiology, Gynaecology, Maternity, Haematology and Accident & Emergency.
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The Hyperparathyroidism in UK (diagnosis and surgery guidelines) petition to We need the Department of Health to introduce UK guidelines for NHS, and NICE, was written by Sallie Powell and is in the category Health at GoPetition.