Exceptional funding from PCT

[debs40]

I'm trying to get a referral to the Dyscovery Centre (it is spelt like that!)as we have no official dignostic process here.

GP is happy to try but we will need 'exceptional funding' from the PCT which looks pretty tough to get.

I wondered if anyone had any experience of this.

Have only heard of it in the context of a friend whose husband had cancer and neded a palliative procedure that was not usually funded by his PCT. The PCT did approve it.

Not sure they would fund Dyscovery as their argument will be that they already have NHS/other provision for assessment for ASD in the local area.

Of course, if they don't then your counter-argument is that Dyscovery is required.

Thanks. There is no formally funded provision. I have a letter from the consultant involved justifying the lack of information and poor patient care on the basis that there was no funded service.

You've cracked it then - they can hardly argue against a consultant's statement of need.

Since I responded above I remember that years ago i needed a cosmetic procedure to remove scar tissue from an old scar on my scalp that had 'slumped', leaving me with a large bald patch. The PCT refused to fund it and my consulatnt wrote to them pleading my case and I got a referal to a plastic surgeon.

They are just gate-keepers for the money!

Best wishes