Norman Lamb leads from the front in fight to gain essential treatment for Cancer patient

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 24th Apr 2008

North Norfolk MP and Shadow Health Secretary, Norman Lamb has challenged the Chief Executive of the Norfolk NHS Primary Care Trust over their refusal to fund essential treatment for cancer sufferer, Mr Charles Humphrey of North Walsham. "Mr Humphrey is appealing this decision and I want to make it clear that I very strongly support this appeal and am strongly urging the Trust to reconsider their decision. The current position is not acceptable"

Mr Humphrey has been refused treatment with the drug, Sorafenib, a course of action strongly favoured by the liver team at Addenbrooks hospital where Mr Humphrey is being treated. The refusal to initiate treatment, given the recommendation by expert doctors, has left both Mr & Mrs Humphrey and Norman Lamb confused and angry, "I have to say I am extremely disappointed in the decision to refuse treatment to Mr Humphrey. The fact that Mr Humphrey is currently well is an important reason for prescribing this treatment now, because as I understand it, it increases the chances of the treatment working."

It is now the couple's hope that the decision will be reversed on the basis that Mr Humphrey represents an exceptional case. Mr Lamb is currently in the process of lodging a freedom of information request with the Norfolk NHS Primary Care Trust as he looks to strengthen Mr Humphrey's case.