The Times and The Daily Express
13/6/2022
Thank you to Billy Kenber in The Times and Cyril Dixon in The Daily Express for reporting on the latest T3 prescribing report which is out today and reveals the extent of non compliance with national guidance across the NHS for this vital treatment which is required by some people with hypothyroidism, but is being denied to some patients who qualify for it in 58% of clinical commissioning groups in England.
See page 17 of The Express and page 18 of The Times.
You can find out more about this story and access the full report on the T3 News and Resources section of our website.
Thank you to Billy Kenber in The Times and Cyril Dixon in The Daily Express for reporting on the latest T3 prescribing report which is out today and reveals the extent of non compliance with national guidance across the NHS for this vital treatment which is required by some people with hypothyroidism, but is being denied to some patients who qualify for it in 58% of clinical commissioning groups in England.
See page 17 of The Express and page 18 of The Times.
You can find out more about this story and access the full report on the T3 News and Resources section of our website.
The Times, page 18 - Monday 13th June 2022
The Daily Express, page 17 - Monday 13th June 2022
BBC Radio Kent
30th May 2022 - #TalkThyroid Campaign for World Thyroid Day and International Thyroid Awareness Week.
Thank you to presenter, Pat Marsh, for talking to our Director Lorraine on the show for 13 minutes, about her #TalkThyroid Seaside Butterfly Trek in Thanet for World Thyroid Day and International Thyroid Awareness Week.
Thank you to presenter, Pat Marsh, for talking to our Director Lorraine on the show for 13 minutes, about her #TalkThyroid Seaside Butterfly Trek in Thanet for World Thyroid Day and International Thyroid Awareness Week.
UK Health Radio, Health Triangle Magazine
March 2022 - issue 99
Following the news that one of the best-known figures in the children's book world, Michael Rosen became The Thyroid Trust's first Ambassador, Health Triangle magazine kindly featured the charity's news to their readership.
Following the news that one of the best-known figures in the children's book world, Michael Rosen became The Thyroid Trust's first Ambassador, Health Triangle magazine kindly featured the charity's news to their readership.
UK Health Radio Triangle Magazine
Award-winning investigative journalist Billy Kenber wrote for UK Health Radio Triangle Magazine in February 2022. Billy shared how patients involved with The Thyroid Trust made it clear how important the specialist thyroid treatment, liothyronine had been in their lives. Some patients had their NHS prescriptions stopped and had to find alternative means as this old generic medicine had increased in price by 6000% in the preceding ten year period, since Billy broke the story in 2016.
The Daily Express
Journalist Cyril Dixon reports on the impact on patients of the high cost of liothyronine and reveals The Thyroid Trust research into varying prescribing policies in CCGs around the country. You can read the report referenced in the article here. Thanks to Mary and Chantell for sharing their stories. This issue of the Express included a Comment piece by our Director, Lorraine Williams.
The Times report on the CMA fines
29th and 30th July 2021
The Times newspaper carried a report from investigative journalist Billy Kenber on the Competition and Markets Authority CMA fines for liothyronine price inflation on 30th July. A longer version of this article, with more detail, including quotes from our Director, Lorraine Williams and Norfolk thyroid patient campaigner Tara Riddle of ITT can be read on The Times Online.
The Times newspaper carried a report from investigative journalist Billy Kenber on the Competition and Markets Authority CMA fines for liothyronine price inflation on 30th July. A longer version of this article, with more detail, including quotes from our Director, Lorraine Williams and Norfolk thyroid patient campaigner Tara Riddle of ITT can be read on The Times Online.
The Daily Express
30th July 2021
Reporter, Cyril Dixon, covered the £100m Competitions and Markets Authority fines story and included quotes from our Director Lorraine and Lyn Mynott, CEO of Thyroid UK, along with a piece on thyroid patient Mary Saunders' experiences. Fortunately Mary has in fact now been given an NHS prescription for liothyronine, after an epic saga. That error will be corrected in a subsequent edition of the paper.
Reporter, Cyril Dixon, covered the £100m Competitions and Markets Authority fines story and included quotes from our Director Lorraine and Lyn Mynott, CEO of Thyroid UK, along with a piece on thyroid patient Mary Saunders' experiences. Fortunately Mary has in fact now been given an NHS prescription for liothyronine, after an epic saga. That error will be corrected in a subsequent edition of the paper.
BBC report on CMA £100m fine for inflating the price of T3.
29th July 2021
Following years of campaigning by thyroid patients and intersted professionals, a drug company that increased the price of a crucial thyroid remedy more than 10-fold has prompted fines of more than £100m by the competition watchdog. Read the report on the BBC website with analysis by Dominic O'Connell. The situation with the price of T3 has been an ongoing saga causing significant harm to patients and it is hoped that this news will finally put an end to the NHS being charged inflated prices and different local health authorities restricting access to this treatment which some patients rely on to feel well.
Following years of campaigning by thyroid patients and intersted professionals, a drug company that increased the price of a crucial thyroid remedy more than 10-fold has prompted fines of more than £100m by the competition watchdog. Read the report on the BBC website with analysis by Dominic O'Connell. The situation with the price of T3 has been an ongoing saga causing significant harm to patients and it is hoped that this news will finally put an end to the NHS being charged inflated prices and different local health authorities restricting access to this treatment which some patients rely on to feel well.
UK Health Radio, Health Triangle Magazine
June 2021 issue
Following our Thyroid Champions! article in May, Health Triangle magazine have once again featured thyroid health prominently in their June issue. Dr Simon Hodes and Dr Vincent Simpson kindly wrote this article, reporting an interesting discussion about absorption of levothyroxine that came about on Twitter, in response to an article published in the BMJ about investigating hypothyroidism. Our thanks to both doctors and everyone who joined the conversation on Twitter as well as to the publishers, UK Health Radio.
Following our Thyroid Champions! article in May, Health Triangle magazine have once again featured thyroid health prominently in their June issue. Dr Simon Hodes and Dr Vincent Simpson kindly wrote this article, reporting an interesting discussion about absorption of levothyroxine that came about on Twitter, in response to an article published in the BMJ about investigating hypothyroidism. Our thanks to both doctors and everyone who joined the conversation on Twitter as well as to the publishers, UK Health Radio.
BBC Radio Kent
25th May 2021 - World Thyroid Day
Thank you to presenter, Pat Marsh, for talking to our Director Lorraine on the show for 18 minutes, about World Thyroid Day, all things thyroid-y and her butterfly run in Thanet!
Thank you to presenter, Pat Marsh, for talking to our Director Lorraine on the show for 18 minutes, about World Thyroid Day, all things thyroid-y and her butterfly run in Thanet!
UK Health Radio and magazine
We were thrilled with this great article in UK Health Radio Magazine, May 2021 issue and also delighted that our Director, Lorraine was interviewed by presenter Chris Grimes for his Good Listening To Show this month.
Eastern Daily Press
Well done to Norfolk patients, Tracey Buckenham and Tara Riddle and thanks to journalist, Clarissa Place, for this article in the Eastern Daily Press, published a year after Norfolk Thyroid Support Group were successful in persuading Norfolk and Waveney CCG to approve a clear patient pathway for L-T3 - liothyronine. Tracey and Tara were key stakeholders in the production of The Liothyronine Dossier published in 2018 and in all the partnership working between thyroid patient groups and interested clinicians which is ongoing since that work was done.
Kammy's Health News .
14/4/2021
Chris Kamara announced, on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4, that he has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Chris had been experiencing dementia like symptoms which he was concerned might relate to his time as a professional footballer, heading the ball. Concerns about his health have been widely reported over recent months. He even underwent a brain scan before getting his hypothyroidism diagnosis. Dr Pete Taylor (who is our speaker at our May 26th webinar) kindly went on air to answer Kammy's questions. We have sent our very warmest wishes to Chris and thanked him for helping to raise awareness. We hope he is feeling very much better very soon. You're not alone with thyroid disease Kammy!
Kammy's health news has also been reported widely in the press. includng The Sun and The Daily Express.
Chris Kamara announced, on Steph's Packed Lunch on Channel 4, that he has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Chris had been experiencing dementia like symptoms which he was concerned might relate to his time as a professional footballer, heading the ball. Concerns about his health have been widely reported over recent months. He even underwent a brain scan before getting his hypothyroidism diagnosis. Dr Pete Taylor (who is our speaker at our May 26th webinar) kindly went on air to answer Kammy's questions. We have sent our very warmest wishes to Chris and thanked him for helping to raise awareness. We hope he is feeling very much better very soon. You're not alone with thyroid disease Kammy!
Kammy's health news has also been reported widely in the press. includng The Sun and The Daily Express.
Channel Four, Steph's Packed Lunch and the Daily Mirror
8/10/2020
Popular Love Island runner up, fashion designer and business owner, Olivia Bowen, bravely spoke about her thyroid condition on Channel Four programme, Steph's Packed Lunch. The interview was then featured in the Mirror newspaper. Olivia was diagnosed with hypothyroidism as a child, but as her adult life got busier, she said she became less disciplined about taking her medicine and started experiencing a lot of symptoms, particularly fatigue. She was sent to have blood tests and says she is now hoping to start a family - for which of course it will be important that her thyroid condition is well managed. Bravo Olivia and thanks also to presenter Vogue Williams and the doctors on the show, Dr Angela Goyal, Dr Javid and Dr Yash, for providing excellent information and helping raise awareness!
Read more about thyroid disease and pregnancy on the British Thyroid Foundation website.
Popular Love Island runner up, fashion designer and business owner, Olivia Bowen, bravely spoke about her thyroid condition on Channel Four programme, Steph's Packed Lunch. The interview was then featured in the Mirror newspaper. Olivia was diagnosed with hypothyroidism as a child, but as her adult life got busier, she said she became less disciplined about taking her medicine and started experiencing a lot of symptoms, particularly fatigue. She was sent to have blood tests and says she is now hoping to start a family - for which of course it will be important that her thyroid condition is well managed. Bravo Olivia and thanks also to presenter Vogue Williams and the doctors on the show, Dr Angela Goyal, Dr Javid and Dr Yash, for providing excellent information and helping raise awareness!
Read more about thyroid disease and pregnancy on the British Thyroid Foundation website.
Radio Jackie - the sound of south west London
22/9/2020
Radio Jackie kindly helped raise awareness of thyroid cancer awareness month, kindly including a short interview with our Director, Lorraine on their news broadcasts.
Radio Jackie kindly helped raise awareness of thyroid cancer awareness month, kindly including a short interview with our Director, Lorraine on their news broadcasts.
Jeremy Vine Show BBC Radio 2
24th August 2020
Jeremy Vine talked about Graves Disease on his show's Medical Mondays slot, with Dr Sarah Jarvis and patients Emma J Myatt and Samantha Brookes.
Available to listen for 30 days.
Graves Disease is discussed from 1:04.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000lzr8
Jeremy Vine talked about Graves Disease on his show's Medical Mondays slot, with Dr Sarah Jarvis and patients Emma J Myatt and Samantha Brookes.
Available to listen for 30 days.
Graves Disease is discussed from 1:04.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000lzr8
Eastern Daily Press
30th July 2020
Tracey and Tara of Norfolk Thyroid Support Group and ITT. Photo by Denise Bradley
Journalist Clarissa Place reports in the Eastern Daily Press. Tracey and Tara of Thyroid Support Group Norfolk and ITT, have spent three years fighting for liothyronine, T3, to be reinstated when it had been blacklisted in their area.
National guidance has always said that t3 should be available on the NHS to those patients who need it, yet many local health authorities have often resisted allowing it to be prescribed, because for some unknown reason the UK pays far more for liothyronine than other countries do, this: coupled with unclear guidelines and decentralised decision, has meant access to treatment is very inconsistent for patients in different areas of the UK - effectively a postcode lottery.
Well done Tara and Tracey! And thanks to Healthwatch Norfolk for their brilliant support over the three years it's taken to get this result.
Now that an approved pathway exists we and our partners will be pushing for it to be adopted across the NHS. If you know there are issues in your area, please let us know and we encourage you to tell your CCG this news and push at local level for them to follow suit. All of the thyroid patient groups are small and low on resource, we need all the help we can get to keep raising this issue until it is once and for all resolved for all patients. Let us know if you'd like to help. Learn more.
National guidance has always said that t3 should be available on the NHS to those patients who need it, yet many local health authorities have often resisted allowing it to be prescribed, because for some unknown reason the UK pays far more for liothyronine than other countries do, this: coupled with unclear guidelines and decentralised decision, has meant access to treatment is very inconsistent for patients in different areas of the UK - effectively a postcode lottery.
Well done Tara and Tracey! And thanks to Healthwatch Norfolk for their brilliant support over the three years it's taken to get this result.
Now that an approved pathway exists we and our partners will be pushing for it to be adopted across the NHS. If you know there are issues in your area, please let us know and we encourage you to tell your CCG this news and push at local level for them to follow suit. All of the thyroid patient groups are small and low on resource, we need all the help we can get to keep raising this issue until it is once and for all resolved for all patients. Let us know if you'd like to help. Learn more.
Daily Express28th May 2020
Express Columnist, Virginia Blackburn, celebrates the battiness of Lorraine's butterfly run in Broadstairs for World Thyroid Day and encourages her Express readers to support The Thyroid Trust - thank you Virginia! BBC Radio Kent27th and 28th May 2020
On 27th May, Afternoon show presenter, Pat Marsh, interviewed Lorraine Williams, about her butterfly run in Broadstairs, and Sam and Victoria's 10K round Thanet, for World Thyroid Day. The following day, Andy Garland mentioned the story again on the Steve Ladner Mid Morning show. |
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Pat Marsh show recording:
Steve Ladner show recording:
Visit the Fundraising page for these events here. Click the links above to hear the full ten minute interview with Pat and the follow up report by Andy.
Isle of Thanet News22nd May 2020
Award winning hyper local news site, The Isle of Thanet News, did a write up of the World Thyroid Day activities in Thanet, on the Kent coast. |
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Apple Music, Beats One Radio Station and Medscape.
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19th September 2019
Rockstar Liam Gallagher told Matt Wilkinson, in an interview, that he might retire early at some point, because of his thyroid condition, Hashimoto's. This prompted an outcry on Twitter with fans concerned for his wellbeing - and many thanking him for helping raise awareness of thyroid health issues. 24th September 2019
Tim Locke of Medscape spoke to our Trustee, Dr Paul Jenkins, for his expert medical opinion on the story. |
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We would like to thank Liam for speaking up about his condition and helping raise awareness of thyroid disorders. We hope that he will keep singing for as long as he wants to - and that he gets the very best of care for his Hashimoto's. The new album is great by the way.
Pulse GP Online
29th July 2019
GP's should not alter T3 presciption without oversight says the leading publication for GPs, Pulse, reporting on the new NHS England prescribing guidance for T3 (liothyronine).
GP's should not alter T3 presciption without oversight says the leading publication for GPs, Pulse, reporting on the new NHS England prescribing guidance for T3 (liothyronine).
Daily Mail
16th July 2019
Thanks to journalist, Jerome Burne, thyroid campaigner, Tara Riddle and all who contributed to this story in the Mail today - about the postcode lottery of thyroid treatment across the UK. Much as we'd prefer a less tabloid headline: "Imagine if you were given a pill which: Gave you energy to be able to live a normal life, tick, etc..." , we're so pleased to see thyroid health issues getting more and more mainstream news coverage.
Private Eye
11th July 2019
Great piece in private eye on generics and T3 price hike thanks @SammySwindonia for linking us up @britishthyroid @ThyroidTrust pic.twitter.com/zQ45Ct58T8
— Pete Taylor (@DrPeteTaylor) July 11, 2019
Mail on Sunday
23rd June 2019
Thanks to journalist Sophie Goodchild and all the patients and doctors who provided information and insights for this thought provoking article on the controversy around the new BMJ guidelines for assessing and managing subclinical hypothyroidism. Why are Doctors stopping women taking thyroid pills that costs pennies raises a number of key issues - that thyroid disease is common and can be highly debilitating when not effectively treated, that looking at patients' symptoms is an important element of effective treatment and that fine tuning treatment can make a profound difference to wellbeing.
Thanks to journalist Sophie Goodchild and all the patients and doctors who provided information and insights for this thought provoking article on the controversy around the new BMJ guidelines for assessing and managing subclinical hypothyroidism. Why are Doctors stopping women taking thyroid pills that costs pennies raises a number of key issues - that thyroid disease is common and can be highly debilitating when not effectively treated, that looking at patients' symptoms is an important element of effective treatment and that fine tuning treatment can make a profound difference to wellbeing.
Last Word, BBC Radio Four
15th June 2019
A lovely Last Word on Sheila Turner, founder of Thyroid Patient Advocacy, who recently died. Listen from 28:59 - well done to Marian. chair of TPA, who was interviewed by the show's presenter, Matthew Bannister. Rest in Peace Sheila.
A lovely Last Word on Sheila Turner, founder of Thyroid Patient Advocacy, who recently died. Listen from 28:59 - well done to Marian. chair of TPA, who was interviewed by the show's presenter, Matthew Bannister. Rest in Peace Sheila.
This Morning
4th June 2019
Dr Sara Kayat talked to Holly and Phil about thyroid disease on the This Morning couch, explaining what and where the thyroid sits, that it determines all of our bodily functions and what can go wrong when it becomes over or under active. She also talked a little about treatments for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. We have contacted this morning to propose further discussion, in particular to help raise awareness of "hard to treat" hypothyroidism.
Dr Sara Kayat talked to Holly and Phil about thyroid disease on the This Morning couch, explaining what and where the thyroid sits, that it determines all of our bodily functions and what can go wrong when it becomes over or under active. She also talked a little about treatments for both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. We have contacted this morning to propose further discussion, in particular to help raise awareness of "hard to treat" hypothyroidism.
BBC Essex
30th May 2019, Dave Monk on BBC Essex talk to thyroid patient and health campaigner Christine Papalabropoulos about the price of liothyronine and other high price medicines worldwide. #HighPriceMeds. Well done for helping shine a light on the T3 situation Christine!
The interview is 1 hour 37 minutes in to the show.
The iplayer link will expire in 30 days, click on the below unbranded player button to hear it after the end of June.
The interview is 1 hour 37 minutes in to the show.
The iplayer link will expire in 30 days, click on the below unbranded player button to hear it after the end of June.
Daily Mail28th May 2019
In Greece a Life Transforming thyroid pill costs just £1 a month... Thanks to journalist Rachel Ellis, patient Mary Saunders and Dr Pete Taylor for this excellent in depth article in the Daily Mail - featuring the ongoing issues with access to T3, which some patients are still experiencing, despite NHS England guidance that it should be available to those who require it. Our director, Lorraine, is also quoted. The clarified guidance should be finalised soon and ought to make a big difference. |
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BMJ, BBC Health, Daily Mail and The Sun
A new study on the treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) advised that most patients with diagnosed with SCH (essentially a borderline diagnosis) may not benefit from treatment. There were important exceptions - the guidance "may not" apply to younger patients, those with debilitating symptoms and those with thyroid antibodies present. And the evidence the report is based on is being questioned by a number of clinicians, as well as patient groups. Articles appeared in several mainstream publications. The Mail initially reported that the guidance related to everyone with hypothyroidism but that was quickly corrected. The British Thyroid Foundation issued an excellent response which you can read here.
the BTF response was followed by a very strong statement against the guideline by the Society for Endocrinology and the British Thyroid Association - the two professional bodies representing thyroid specialists and all endocrinologists in the UK.
the BTF response was followed by a very strong statement against the guideline by the Society for Endocrinology and the British Thyroid Association - the two professional bodies representing thyroid specialists and all endocrinologists in the UK.
Basildon, Canvey and Southend Echo
16th May 2019
Victory over vital thyroid drug. Thanks to the support of this outstanding local paper, patient Christine Papalabropoulos reports she has now been prescribed the T3 her doctor recommended last year but her CCG had been withholding. Unfortunately at the time this report was published the other patient featured in the previous article in this paper, nurse, Sue Murray, is still having to battle for treatment.
Victory over vital thyroid drug. Thanks to the support of this outstanding local paper, patient Christine Papalabropoulos reports she has now been prescribed the T3 her doctor recommended last year but her CCG had been withholding. Unfortunately at the time this report was published the other patient featured in the previous article in this paper, nurse, Sue Murray, is still having to battle for treatment.
Health Service Journal
16th April 2019
CCGs could face fresh pressures to fund costly drug article, by Alison Moore, states that clinical commissioning groups could face renewed pressure to fund liothyronine, described in the article as "an expensive drug" under NHS England revised guidance, which it is reported is due to be published shortly.
Our understanding is that the existing guidance will be clarified rather than revised and we anticipate that clarification will be helpful in ending the current issues with prescribing this vital medication for those patients who require it.
CCGs could face fresh pressures to fund costly drug article, by Alison Moore, states that clinical commissioning groups could face renewed pressure to fund liothyronine, described in the article as "an expensive drug" under NHS England revised guidance, which it is reported is due to be published shortly.
Our understanding is that the existing guidance will be clarified rather than revised and we anticipate that clarification will be helpful in ending the current issues with prescribing this vital medication for those patients who require it.
BBC Radio Essex
28th February 2019
Sadie Nine interviewed Sue Murray and Christine Papalabropoulos on the Mid Morning Show over an hour and half with over 30 minutes of airtime dedicated to the liothyronine story and phone ins from Tara of the Norfolk Thyroid Support group and other affected patients and interested members of the public. Lyn from Essex called in to say she had been well for nine years on liothyronine and has now been told by her doctor that she must purchase it online as the NHS can't afford it. She is now taking liothyronine from Turkey, against her wishes and is finding that the strength is not as reliable as the UK licensed versions. Basildon Hospital gave a statement to the show that may indicate they will now take some action to resolve matters - we sincerely hope so.
We hope to get a permanent link to the programme that we can share here shortly. If you are visiting this page on 28th February the following link will work: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_essex
(listen to Sadie Nine 28th february 2019 from around 10:17am onwards)
We hope to get a permanent link to the programme that we can share here shortly. If you are visiting this page on 28th February the following link will work: www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/live:bbc_radio_essex
(listen to Sadie Nine 28th february 2019 from around 10:17am onwards)
Eastern Daily Press
20th February 2019
Life saving thyroid drug is taken off ~GPs' blacklist in Norfolk and Waveney
Thanks to the excellent campaigning work of our partners, Thyroid Support Group Norfolk, with the support of Healthwatch Norfolk and the excellent journalist, Geraldine Scott, who has covered the story from the outset in the Eastern Daily Press.
Life saving thyroid drug is taken off ~GPs' blacklist in Norfolk and Waveney
Thanks to the excellent campaigning work of our partners, Thyroid Support Group Norfolk, with the support of Healthwatch Norfolk and the excellent journalist, Geraldine Scott, who has covered the story from the outset in the Eastern Daily Press.
Basildon Canvey and Southend Echo
6th March 2019
MPs in Essex Demand Answers on the drug liothyronine.
MPs in Essex Demand Answers on the drug liothyronine.
26th February 2019
Sue Murray, a nurse who had her cancerous thyroid gland removed has joined the fight to receive a vital drug which she is being denied. Sue is a patient at the Swanwood Practice in Wickham, under Basildon and Brentford CCG. After surgery for thyroid cancer she was prescribed thyroxine but had a bad reaction to it. Subsequently prescribed liothyronine she was well on it for several years but is now being denied her usual dose, on cost grounds and has become too unwell to work. The CCG appear to be misinterpreting the national guidelines. Well done to Sue and Christine Papalabropoulos for getting this story into print - and to journalist Christine Caxton for writing it up so powerfully. We hope both patients' cases can shortly be resolved.
Sue Murray, a nurse who had her cancerous thyroid gland removed has joined the fight to receive a vital drug which she is being denied. Sue is a patient at the Swanwood Practice in Wickham, under Basildon and Brentford CCG. After surgery for thyroid cancer she was prescribed thyroxine but had a bad reaction to it. Subsequently prescribed liothyronine she was well on it for several years but is now being denied her usual dose, on cost grounds and has become too unwell to work. The CCG appear to be misinterpreting the national guidelines. Well done to Sue and Christine Papalabropoulos for getting this story into print - and to journalist Christine Caxton for writing it up so powerfully. We hope both patients' cases can shortly be resolved.
16th February 2019
Liothyronine Availability Trouble for Thyroid Patient - well done to patient Christine Papalabropoulos for raising awareness of the issues she is experiencing accessing the thyroid medicine, liothyronine, in Essex. Christine's MP is involved and hopefully Basildon and Brentford CCG will take positive action to bring their local guidance in line with national guidance soon.
Liothyronine Availability Trouble for Thyroid Patient - well done to patient Christine Papalabropoulos for raising awareness of the issues she is experiencing accessing the thyroid medicine, liothyronine, in Essex. Christine's MP is involved and hopefully Basildon and Brentford CCG will take positive action to bring their local guidance in line with national guidance soon.
Medscape
16th January 2019
An in depth Medscape article asks the question Why aren't doctors prescribing T3? This article includes powerful patient testimonies, references Dr Peter Taylor's prescribing data analysis that was published in The Lancet and quotes Lyn Mynott, Chief Executive of Thyroid UK.
An in depth Medscape article asks the question Why aren't doctors prescribing T3? This article includes powerful patient testimonies, references Dr Peter Taylor's prescribing data analysis that was published in The Lancet and quotes Lyn Mynott, Chief Executive of Thyroid UK.
Eastern Daily Press
2nd January 2019
Geraldine Scott writes in the Eastern Daily Press about thyroid patients in Norfolk turning to overseas suppliers to source the thyroid medicine, liothyronine, being withheld from them by their local health authority.
Geraldine Scott writes in the Eastern Daily Press about thyroid patients in Norfolk turning to overseas suppliers to source the thyroid medicine, liothyronine, being withheld from them by their local health authority.
The Lancet, The Times and The Daily Mail
19th December 2018
Dr Peter Taylor's new analysis of liothyronine prescribing data, was published in The Lancet and immediately reported in:
The Times, by Billy Kenber on page 6, with a Thunderer commentary by Fiona McGowan. on page 32
Dr Peter Taylor's new analysis of liothyronine prescribing data, was published in The Lancet and immediately reported in:
The Times, by Billy Kenber on page 6, with a Thunderer commentary by Fiona McGowan. on page 32
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Fiona McGowan highlights T3 and T4 in The Telegraph
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3rd December 2018, Fiona McGowan tells her story in The Telegraph - an excellent piece highlighting the issues with both diagnosis and access to T3 treatment.
Elaine Smith MSP speaks out for thyroid patients2nd December 2018, ahead of the latest debate on treatment for thyroid disorders in the Scottish Parliament, The Scottish Sunday Post reported MSP: thyroid patients are taking their own lives due to treatment failures. The debate will take place on Tuesday 4th November - not Thursday as stated in the article. Read more about the Scottish Parliament petition and debates here.
Anna Richardson's story26th November 2018, journalist, Lucy Elkins, wrote in the Daily Mail about TV presenter, Anna Richardson, partner
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of comedian Sue Perkins, reporting on her experience of thinking she was suffering with menopause symptoms which turned out to be a thyroid condition. Thanks to Anna for sharing her experience it is so helpful when a public figure helps raise awareness of thyroid disorders. We wish her all the very best with her thyroid journey!
Liothyronine
Since the House of Lords debate on 20th June 2018, the liothyronine story has also been featured in the following media, that we are aware of:
- 28th November 2018, - BBC Radio Norfolk Breakfast Show, presenter, Nick Conrad, interviewed Tara Riddle of Thyroid Support Group Norfolk, who did a wonderful job of stating the issues clearly and powerfully (starts at 55minutes). Also listen to caller, Lesley's, story (at 2:15m) and the dramatic experience of another listener shared via text (at 2:23m). Nick really got beneath the subject and has pledged to follow up - observing that taxpayers will want to know why the NHS is overpaying for this medicine which is available so cheaply elsewhere, why are some patients being told by their doctors to access this medicine online from countries like Mexico and expressing shock at the extent of the symptoms described and impact of taking liothyronine, or having it withheld. The story was also picked up on the news bulletin (2:21m) Listen here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p06qjk2f
- The publication of the Liothyronine Dossier has had coverage in:
- 26th November 2018, The Telegraph, albeit with a somewhat unfortunate headline that focuses on issues of weight gain rather than the crippling and more extreme symptoms many patients are experiencing. Thank you to journalist Henry Bodkin for what is otherwise a very good write up.
- 26th November 2018, The Eastern Daily Press - well done Tracey and Tara of the Thyroid Support Group Norfolk!
- 12th October 2018, The Times journalist, Billy Kenber, revisited the story, reporting Failure to halt rip-off drug deals costs the NHS £200m. Thanks to patient Melanie Woodcock for sharing her experience with liothyronine to help illustrate the human cost of this medication being withheld.
- 6th July 2018, BBC Look East television lunchtime and evening news broadcasts. Thanks to patient Chantell Mapp-Pope for bravely sharing her story. This broadcasts include Lorraine Williams of The Thyroid Trust. Watch from 3mins 20 seconds
BBC Look East 6th July 2018 lunchtime and evening news broadcasts, click to view clip
- 28th June 2018. The lead news story on BBC South East television news, lunchtime and evening broadcasts. Thanks to Mary Saunders for bravely sharing her story.
BBC South East News 28th June 2018, click to watch
- 29th June 2018. The lead story on BBC Radio Sussex, Neil Pringle Breakfast Show 6am-9am. Top story in every news bulletin with live interviews at 7:05am (Mary Saunders) and 8:10am (Cait Fleet and Lorraine Williams). Thanks to Mary and Cait for bravely sharing their stories.
- 2nd July 2018. Julia George show on BBC Radio Kent (9am-12pm) #andmeT3 patient, Maureen Elliot, Lord Borwick and Lorraine Williams from The Thyroid Trust were interviewed This will be available on iplayer for a month. Listen from 1hr 47mins and then again from 2hrs 6 mins to 2 hours 20 mins
BBC News
21st November 2017, BBC News report: "Drug company Concordia overcharged the NHS by millions for a key thyroid treatment, the Competition and Markets Authority has provisionally found."
Pulse, GP Online
15th September 2017, Doctor, Mum, NHS GP, Medical writer, Resident GP for BBC Radio London, OK! & New! Express and Inside Out and the owner of the private: Non Surgical Clinic, Renee Hoenderkamp, is also a thyroid patient who requires liothyronine,so able to see things from the point of view of both being a patient and a professional.
She wrote this powerful article, A ban on liothryonine will be devastating – I should know, in Pulse GP Online the leading publication for GPs when the medicine was included in the NHS England Wave One consultation on "items which should not be routinely prescribed in primary care".
The consultation concluded that patients who require liothyronine should continue to be prescribed it on the NHS, under the supervision of an Endocrinologist, however there have been problems for many patients ever since as CCGs have misinterpreted this guidance and instead sought to deny treatment in a large number of cases, as highlighted in the liothyronine dossier which we published with our partners at the end of 2018.
She wrote this powerful article, A ban on liothryonine will be devastating – I should know, in Pulse GP Online the leading publication for GPs when the medicine was included in the NHS England Wave One consultation on "items which should not be routinely prescribed in primary care".
The consultation concluded that patients who require liothyronine should continue to be prescribed it on the NHS, under the supervision of an Endocrinologist, however there have been problems for many patients ever since as CCGs have misinterpreted this guidance and instead sought to deny treatment in a large number of cases, as highlighted in the liothyronine dossier which we published with our partners at the end of 2018.
The Times
6th June 2016, The Times, front page story by Billy Kenber, "‘Extortionate’ prices add £260m to NHS drug bill". The thyroid medicine, liothyronine, is one of the medicines included in the article.
Please feel free to tell us about any further media coverage that you spot so that we can add it to this page.
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The Thyroid Trust is also known as TTT and Thyroid Friends Network,
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