Cuts could affect jabs, says arthritis patient (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Cuts could affect jabs, says arthritis patient

1:17pm Monday 18th February 2013 in Harwich and Manningtree News By Helen Barnett

AN ARTHRITIC woman has raised concerns that vital injections won’t be given by trained doctors and could be scrapped altogether due to cut backs.

Vickie Williams, of The Haven, Dovercourt, said the glucose fluid doctors inject into her muscles offers invaluable pain relief with no side effects.

The health campaigner said he knees are stronger as a result, and she has not suffered falls.

The injections, available at Clacton and Colchester hospitals, are once a month over three months, and give relief for up to a year.

But Vickie said the doctor she sees at Clacton Hospital won’t be able to administer the third injection, and she may have to book appointments with a therapist instead.

The Anglian Community Enterprise (ACE) is behind the service.

ACE manager David Cohen said: “We constantly review the way we provide services to make sure they represent best value whilst offering patients the best results. At the end of February we are slightly changing the way glucose injections will be provided.

“The Prolo injection currently offered at Clacton Hospital and Colchester Primary Care Centre will from March still be available at Colchester Primary Care Centre.”