Frome MP Anna Sabine is campaigning for clearer NHS access to medical cannabis for children after a young constituent with life-threatening epilepsy has had to pay almost £60,000 for privately prescribed medication.
The MP raised the issue during Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday 14th January, highlighting the case of Clover, who suffers uncontrolled seizures if left untreated. She called for a dedicated NHS pathway and properly funded clinical trials to ensure all children can access treatment regardless of family circumstances.
“35,000 children, including my constituent Clover, live with uncontrolled, life-threatening epilepsy,” the MP told the House of Commons. “Those who can afford it are already benefiting from prescribed medical cannabis, yet families face endless delays, confused trials, and a Home Office process designed for criminal misuse, not healthcare.”
Following her intervention, the Prime Minister confirmed he would meet with the MP and affected families. He also referred to recently agreed funding by NHS England and the National Institute for Health and Care Research for two new clinical trials involving cannabis-based medicines, which could make treatments more routinely available through the NHS.
Clover’s mum, Emily, said the family had little choice but to fund the treatment themselves.
“Clover has had a medical cannabis prescription for nearly five years now, almost £60,000 that we have spent on medicine that should be prescribed on the NHS,” she said.
“It feels like our children have been forgotten. We need to see some action, and the proposed NHS trials are just not fit for purpose. I hope the Department of Health and Social Care will meet with us and work on finding real solutions instead of making more false promises.”
Pictured: MP Anna Sabine, Clover and Emily
