Kenilworth mum fears for her son's life after Brexit leads to block on medical cannabis supply

A Kenilworth mum who has campaigned tirelessly for years to ensure her nine-year-old son can receive medical cannabis to treat his severe epilepsy now fears for the youngster's life due to a sudden block on the supply of the life-changing medicine caused by Brexit.
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Up until a few weeks ago importers could only receive bedrolite oil from Holland if it is dispensed against a prescription which is Dutch law.

This was working fine for Hannah Deacon and her son Alfie Dingley, who once suffered up 150 seizures a week but has not had one for about eight months now under his current treatment.

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But since Brexit the Dutch no longer accept a prescription from the UK.

Hannah Deacon and her son Alfie Dingley.Hannah Deacon and her son Alfie Dingley.
Hannah Deacon and her son Alfie Dingley.

Hannah said: "It needs collaborative working from both sides to find a solution.

"We were only told of this issue on December 17 by the Department of Health and Social Care, which showed no will in its letter to sort this out and told us we should change oils.

"I have since spoken to my neurologist who said we definitely must not change products as this could cause great harm [to Alfie].

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"I am facing the fact that my son might go into refractory epileptic seizures again which can kill people.

"That's how dangerous this is."

A spokesperson for the Government has said it sympathised "with patients dealing with challenging conditions".

They added: "The decision on what treatments to prescribe for patients is rightly one for clinicians to make, on a case-by case basis and dependent on the specific needs of the individual.

"If patients have any concerns, they should discuss them with their doctor."