A Guernsey family has been forced to sell some of their possessions to cover the cost of their nine-month-old son's medication. The family, who has four children, is struggling with the financial burden of Arnold's medication, which costs £312.70 per bottle and is not funded by the States of Guernsey. Arnold suffers from dysmotility and hypermotility, a disorder affecting the digestive system, causing him to struggle with vomiting and stomach issues. The family had to travel to Southampton Hospital for treatment, where Arnold was prescribed Mebeverine, which helped initially but became less effective over time, requiring a higher dose and frequent refills. The oral solution version of the medication, which Arnold requires, is not funded by the States of Guernsey and is generally prescribed for children aged 3 and above. The family's financial situation is dire, with the medication costing them £3,500 annually. They have been advised to reduce Arnold's dosages, but this has made his condition worse, causing his stomach to swell and leading to vomiting and toilet issues. The mother, Kiely Luscombe, expresses her frustration and disappointment, feeling 'let down' by the system and questioning why medication for a chronic illness should be so expensive. She and her partner are determined to provide for their children, even if it means making difficult financial decisions. The Chief Pharmacist, Teena Bhogal, acknowledges the family's struggle and encourages clinicians to reach out to the Prescribing Support Unit for guidance and support in finding suitable alternatives for patients in similar situations.
