Bhogal added: “We want to be clear that clinicians can contact the Prescribing Support Unit (PSU) at any time for advice, and we are here to help explore suitable alternatives or, where appropriate, consider adding a medication to the prescribing list.”
After struggling with vomiting and stomach issues from just three weeks old, Arnold was eventually rushed to Southampton Hospital for treatment in October 2025.
He was diagnosed with dysmotility and hypermotility, which is a disorder that affects the digestive system and means Arnold struggles to keep food down and have regular bowel movements.
“He was having to be held 24-7 because he was in so much pain. His tummy was so tight it was hurting; he was constantly arching his back,” Luscombe said.
Arnold was prescribed Mebeverine from the pharmacy inside Southampton General Hospital before the family made the journey back to Guernsey.
Luscombe said that the medication helped for a while but then became less effective, so they were told to up the dose and they noticed how quickly the supply was going down.
“Nobody told us that his medication was going to cost quite as much… We managed to get a reduced price for Arnold’s first medication at £205.50. But, going forward each month, Arnold’s medication is now going to cost us £312.70,” she said.
Arnold can only have the oral solution version of the medication, which is generally prescribed for children aged 3 years and older and is not funded by the States of Guernsey.
Teena Bhogal said “to date, the PSU has not received any requests for assistance regarding a patient needing this particular medication” and is urging “any clinician caring for a patient in this situation to reach out”.