Free style libra

[Lianne]

Hi so I have been funding my free style libra for many weeks after discussion with consultant I meet the criteria for it to be funded however I have to to the starter invite to learn how to use it (first appointment not while April) before they will fund I’ve already completed the academy i was wondering if this is normal ?

 

[Bruce Stephens]

Yes, I think it's quite common. (I was required to go to such a meeting (just one, quite short) even though the DSNs running it knew perfectly well I'd been self funding the things for months and was quite familiar with its use.

 

[helli]

I was able to do online training.
But then, it took a couple of months after I had approval before I saw the Libre on my prescription

 

[Robin]

I had to do an online webinar organised and led by Abbott, but with a doctor from our Diabetes centre there as well.(this is in Oxfordshire). The hospital then issued prescriptions fairly promptly to the attendees once Abbott had given them a list of who was there. i had to chase up my GP to issue me a prescription, though, they put it in my notes, marked 'not issued' and when I rang to query, said 'Oh! Did you want one?' (Well, durr!)
(And it did take me 6 months after my appointment where the hospital said they’d 'put me forward for consideration' until I got approval and a date for the webinar, and that was after a lot of chasing up.)

 

[Sally71]

I didn’t have to do any training (had already been self-funding for 2 years by then) but I did get the DSN on the phone twice asking an awful lot of questions! And then had to chase up the GP, but we got them in the end.

We switched to Dexcom in August and have already had Libres removed from the repeat prescription, have got other stuff on there such as pen needles that we’ve only asked for once because we do so few pen injections, but they just stay there forever. Less expensive presumably!

 

[Lianne]

Thanks guys all very helpful just mortified about the time delay as I’m unable to fund anymore I’m dreading them dam finger pricks

 

[nonethewiser]

Never did any training, self funded short while then got it on repeat prescription by consultant, only training in recent times was for pump, had no option there.

 

[helli]

have got other stuff on there such as pen needles that we’ve only asked for once because we do so few pen injections, but they just stay there forever. Less expensive presumably!

I have pen cartridges and needles to remain on my prescription because, if my pump fails I need them.
It happens rarely but I always make sure I have insulin for pens (basal and bolus) in date in my fridge and needles in my d-drawer. In the days when I used to travel regularly, I always took pens supplies with me.

A pump failure is bad enough, a pump failure and no alternatives is very bad.

 

[Sally71]

I have pen cartridges and needles to remain on my prescription because, if my pump fails I need them.
It happens rarely but I always make sure I have insulin for pens (basal and bolus) in date in my fridge and needles in my d-drawer. In the days when I used to travel regularly, I always took pens supplies with me.

A pump failure is bad enough, a pump failure and no alternatives is very bad.

Yes I realise that... maybe that's why they leave them on then!

 

[trophywench]

Well yes we do need back-up, but my GP will only allow me to have ONE Novorapid and one Levemir Flexpen on my repeat, won't allow me to have any 3ml cartridges so I expect both my pens to take cartridges will have seized up by now as I've had a pump since 2011. Ought to see if the pistons still wind up and down I spose .....

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

CCGs and Drs really are not supposed to use ‘need to do training’ as roadblocks for existing Libre users!

There is even a clause in the guidance:

5. Previous self-funders of Flash Glucose Monitors with Type 1 diabetes where those with clinical responsibility for their diabetes care are satisfied that their clinical history suggests that they would have satisfied one or more of these criteria prior to them commencing use of Flash Glucose Monitoring had these criteria been in place prior to April 2019 AND has shown improvement in HbA1c since self- funding.

And also

Other requirements:
1. Education on Flash Glucose Monitoring has been provided (online or in person)

NHS England » NHS England flash glucose monitoring guidelines for CCGs

If you don’t work in the diabetes field, or know someone with type 1 diabetes, you may not have heard of Flash Glucose Monitoring or Libre. This is something that CCGs now need to know about thanks to new mandatory criteria from NHS England. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin treatment...

www.england.nhs.uk

So your Dr has to check and be sure that you know how to use it and the data it provides - but there is no specific mandatory tickbox course or qualification.

 

[Fagor]

I was told I was suitable in 2019 (or earlier but pre-covid) and finally applied and accepted in Nov 2020 (much to relief of chilblains on fingers). Completed the on-line training myself, filled in the forms and got all the kit (by post) no hassle, agree to T's and C's and not abuse the meter. Also got yet another meter, BS & Ketone strips and lancets. No face-to-face meetings due to Covid, but suspect there may have been demonstrations before. I got the impression my health board were keen to get T1s' onto Libre, even those with good control (they initially supplied to those with less-good control). I am in NE Scotland so different areas may have different policies.

 

[Lianne]

Thank you !! I have completed the online training (100% pass) so I believe a prescription should be issued the specialist nurse who I spoke to also asked me to do a food diary and I said all info is on my free style app I could send it to you right away and she just fobbed me off and said no no a proper food diary and test your sugars with finger pricks anyway they have demoralised me that much that I don’t even want to take the dammed insulin !!

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Thank you !! I have completed the online training (100% pass) so I believe a prescription should be issued the specialist nurse who I spoke to also asked me to do a food diary and I said all info is on my free style app I could send it to you right away and she just fobbed me off and said no no a proper food diary and test your sugars with finger pricks anyway they have demoralised me that much that I don’t even want to take the dammed insulin !!

Ah that’s a shame for you @Lianne

Hope you can find a way to work easily with your DSN, having a good relationship with them can be a huge help.

Keep going, and definitely keep taking the insulin!!