NHS refuses to fund physio to help cerebral palsy sufferer Ben Baddeley walk pain-free – Mirror.co.uk

The family of cerebral palsy sufferer Ben Baddeley have spoken of their despair after the NHS refused to fund his treatment.

North Staffs Clinical Commissioning Group has told Amy and Gary Baddeley they will not pay for the vital physio Ben needs to walk without pain.

Mirror readers helped to raise 20,000 to privately fund two selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) operations cancelled by the NHS due to Tory cuts in Feb 2014.

Family, friends, and supporters gave another 25,000 for follow up treatment.

But the Baddeleys have now run out money, and may make a bid to get the 11,000 fee for Bens first op returned, as it was cancelled by the NHS at the very last minute.

They were told to write to the Parliamentary Ombudsman if they disagree with the funding decision.

Amy, 32, of Silverdale, Staffs., said: We are in contact with the gentleman who paid 11,000 for that first op and in his opinion the NHS should return the money.

Ben is currently suffering with his hips and he really needs that to be treated before further damage is done.

His account is currently empty. We are waiting on a donation via cheque to clear so we can pay Bens therapist to treat his hips.

That cheque should clear this week, but the family is still looking to pay for physio which costs up to 1400-a-month.

The muscles around Bens hips are weak and will take time to get stronger, creating problems in his lower limbs.

His feet twist to compensate for the lack of movement in his hips, making it painful for him to walk.

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Cheryl Hardisty, North Staffs CCG director of commissioning promised to resolve this long standing issue over funding in a letter to the Baddeleys last March.

She added: I appreciate that you have raised Bens case nationally, but I still very keen that we resolve this matter locally through discussion on next steps.

Prof Vloeberghs, of Nottingham University Hospitals - where Bens operations were carried out - has written to NHS bosses in support of the family, telling them: From being a very disabled young boy, he is now an independent walker....able to walk good distances.

But Amy and car worker husband Gary, 40, have seen their hopes dashed when they needed help most.

North Staffs CCG said: We cannot discuss his case as it would breach patient confidentiality. Our priority is to ensure Ben and every other child, receives a level of NHS care and treatment that is clinically appropriate for their needs.

It is estimated that one in every 400 UK children is affected by cerebral palsy, with 1,800 babies diagnosed each year.

- You can support Ben Baddeley on his GoFundMe page here

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NHS refuses to fund physio to help cerebral palsy sufferer Ben Baddeley walk pain-free - Mirror.co.uk