Letters: Brexit making you sick? It could literally make me go blind
SIR - I am concerned about the prospect of a no deal Brexit and its effects on me and those in similar circumstances.
At 64, I have been reliant on the NHS for a number of years for my continued health and well-being and as time passes this dependence can only increase.
In my early twenties I had a breakdown and depend upon neuroleptic medication to properly function. If there were a disruption in my supply (which is not improbable with a no-deal Brexit) I would very quickly become ill which would cause me considerable suffering and make me a burden on society.
As I imagine you know it has been estimated that between one in four and one in three people suffer some form of mental illness during the course of their lives, so it follows that disruption of the supply of medication would have dire consequences for a sizeable portion of the population.
I also suffer from epilepsy and if my supply of anti-convulsants were to be disrupted, (another likelihood with no deal) very soon I would have a seizure which is a terrifying experience for both me and anyone unfortunate enough to witness it.
It’s estimated that 0.5% of the population suffer from epilepsy, so the overall effect on society as a whole would be catastrophic.
I suffer from a condition called Conn’s Syndrome and am dependent on medication to maintain a healthy blood pressure which if discontinued would put me at risk of having a stroke or heart disease.
High blood pressure in one form or another, as I’m sure you’re aware is extremely common and there are many people who are in the same boat as me who would likewise suffer unnecessarily (a very, real risk with No Deal).
Recently, I have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes which will need monitoring and drug treatment for the remainder of my days. If treatment is not available it’s likely that I will go blind and my toes drop off. A prospect which I don’t exactly relish.
I’m sure you probably know 10% of NHS spending in England and Wales goes on treating diabetes and can imagine how many people would suffer if treatment wasn’t available.
I understand that Mr Johnson may be considering replacing the NHS with some form of private health care insurance but can’t see how this could possibly be applied in my instance.
I am in receipt of JSA and have a weekly income of £73.10 and can’t afford any further expenses and wouldn’t be able to afford the financial burden of insurance and it would not be in the commercial interests of any company to insure me against my current ailments.
A no deal would put food prices up something which would make it impossible for me and others on low to manage.
Mr Johnson has been quoted as saying people would be more appreciative of health care if they had to pay for it.
Well, I assure you I couldn’t be more grateful for all the help I’ve been given and continue to receive from the NHS and am sure there are many others who feel the same.
Ivor Minard, Holbury
