Anguish as Coventry grandfather is denied Parkinson's 'wonder-drug' on NHS

A Coventry grandfather has been denied access to a so-called wonder drug that could help reverse the effects of years of damage that Parkinson's Disease has ravaged on his body.

Edward Reilly, known to his friends as Eamonn, was diagnosed with the progressive disease 16 years ago.

He has now been told the NHS will not pay for him to at least try the breakthrough drug Duodopa which could ease his symptoms.

Duodopa which is only prescribed as a last resort treatment option where other medications have failed is said to help control involuntary movements, night-time symptoms and help curtail 'off' periods.

But last year NHS England announced the drug would not be routinely available on the NHS, meaning doctors have to make long and bureaucratic applications on a case-by-case basis.

At present Eamonn, from Eastern Green, suffers with near paralysis at night.

His wife Carol said: He hardly moves after 8.30pm. He also has a lot of off time when he cant move his legs.

The cost of treatment using Duodopa for one year would be 26,000.

Duodopa is a last resort treatment for Eamonn who has been declared unsuitable for all other treatment, due to his poor balance which has seen him hospitalised before.

But when applying for funding for the drug, the 71-year-old was told that his situation was not exceptional enough to warrant the NHS paying for his treatment.

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Anguish as Coventry grandfather is denied Parkinson's 'wonder-drug' on NHS