A DINAS Powys cancer patient has appealed to the Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board to allow him the use of a drug that could improve his quality of life.

Ronald Squires has had his campaign backed by Vale MP Alun Cairns, who has called on the health board to review the decision which refused him the drug, Axitinib, and criticised the lack of a cancer drugs fund in Wales.

Mr Cairns is urging people to write or e-mail the chairman of the Local Health Board, Maria Battle, asking her to re-consider the panel's recent decision.

A spokesman for Cardiff and Vale University Health Board said that NICE had postponed publishing a decision until February but added: "The Chair has asked for all the information to be reviewed as a matter of urgency and will be speaking with the family as soon as possible.

The MP recently met with Mr Squires and subsequently spoke to his consultant. Mr Squires said his consultant had done everything to support the case to prescribe the drug and was disappointed with the panel decision.

Patients in England are prescribed cancer drugs on a more accessible basis because of the England NHS Cancer Drugs Fund. The Welsh Government have decided not to follow this policy and has a different process in place.

Mr Cairns said he had discovered that the cancer drug is in the process of being approved on a widespread basis. He believes that this could be within the coming months and is arguing that Cardiff and the Vale LHB could prescribe the drug in lieu of the pending approval.

Mr Squires feels very let down by NHS Wales and the LHB. He is saddened to see something he has held in high regard falter so significantly in recent years.

Mr Squires said: “I’m grateful to my family and the community for the support I’ve received and to Alun Cairns for all his help. I have had brilliant care from the NHS and I hope this coordinated action will help them prescribe this drug.”

Mr Cairns said: “Ronald Squires is a victim of a postcode lottery in health care. If he lived in England he would be prescribed the drug through the NHS Cancer Drugs Fund.

"Having spoken to his consultant and the clinical approval body NICE I have discovered that the drug has almost cleared the approval process. In view of the impact it could have on Ron, there is little benefit in waiting. The difference in time could be critical.

"Ron's case is also strengthened by the complexities of his condition. The side effects of his current drug are generating other health issues. It is believed that Aixitnib would help overcome this.

“To be denied a drug that has been shown to have such a positive effect is devastating for Mr Squires and his family. We need to do all we can to get the review that Ron so desperately needs. I call on the community to write to or email Maria Battle as Chairman of the LHB to support the case for the review. All the necessary information is on my website, aluncairns.com

“The suggestion by the Welsh Health Minister that the family could top up the difference of the treatment costs is ridiculous. I do not wish to criticise the hardworking staff in hospitals who perform a magnificent job. However, if he lived in England the drug would be provided free of charge.

“This is a very upsetting example of how health policy in Wales can impact badly upon people’s lives. How many people can afford to spend thousands of pounds a month on a potentially lifesaving drug? Having met the family at such an emotional time I am simply outraged.”