In
recent years, Star Throwers Cancer charity, based in Wymondham, near Norwich,
Norfolk has been a retreat for hundreds of patients suffering from many
different types of cancer. The charity was founded in 2009 by Dr Henry Mannings
who served as a GP for 33 years and until recently worked as a specialist
Doctor in Oncology at the James Pageant hospital in Gorleston, near Gt
Yarmouth, Norfolk.
Dr
Mannings started Star Throwers having been a practicing professional in
delivering treatment and support to cancer sufferers across Norfolk for many
years. He was frustrated at the time pressures and procedures in place within
the NHS, which prevented a more personal approach to treating those who needed
care. Star Throwers was born, aiming to
deliver holistic and other treatments in a comfortable and calming environment;
in comparison to a typical ward style holistic centre attached to a hospital
treatment unit.
Such
is the success of the organisation that 400 cancer sufferers as well as many carers
have passed through the doors of the charity since it opened, receiving
treatments both holistic and medical (administered by Dr Mannings under his
professional certification). Support for the charity has grown to include
local GP’s promoting the centre, business people supporting the charity through
the supply of equipment and funding and with the backing of Pharmacists, GP’s,
Nurses and Consultants practising in the NHS. Patients travel from across the
UK to receive advice and support from the Star Throwers team and all free of
charge; many having been discharged by the NHS system and seen as at the end of
their allotted public sector treatment. Dr Mannings has been able to give
support and hope to many and has extended their life expectancy through his
skill to advise and administer treatments to assist with their condition and
with the patient’s health and safety at the forefront of everything that is
done at the centre.
Since
the bomb shell hit the practice testimonials and support from families,
friends, NHS professionals, businesses, local councils and others continues to
grow. Many GP’s and Consultants across the UK refer patients to the Star
Throwers Centre. A mis-interpretation of administration of a treatment by Dr
Mannings by a senior Oncologist at the Norwich University Hospital ended with
the Star Throwers founder being summoned at very short notice to appear before
the General Medical Council (GMC). Whilst Dr Mannings was given the opportunity
to present his case to the council and the panel concluded there were no
grounds to suspend him, they have decided to restrict Dr Mannings prescribing
of medication to within NHS premises only. As Dr Manning has recently resigned
from his position as a Doctor in Oncology at the James Pageant it means he is
unable to continue treatments on cancer patients at the Wymondham Centre or
elsewhere.
Up
to five patients, at any one time, are being given alternative therapy for
their illness at Star Throwers and as the restriction is with immediate effect,
several patients have been left in mid course as well as leaving several
potential patients disappointed at being unable to start their treatment and
with that their only hope to extend their quality of life. The loss of prescribing ability at
Star Throwers is a loss to many of the patients, many of which are no
longer being treated by the NHS.
The
restriction is based on the allegations of an Oncology Consultant in
Norwich and despite the fact that the two patients mentioned in the
allegations had significantly benefitted from the therapy they had
received from Dr Mannings. The families of the patients concerned have gone on
record to commend whole heartedly Dr Mannings support and treatment of their
loved ones. The consultant concerned has on a previous occasion questioned Dr
Mannings work at Star Throwers, with no evidence to suggest, at the time, the
treatments were not working as designed to do so.
The GMC’s
approach to the hearing meant the Star Throwers team had only a weekend and two
working days to prepare their case. Calls made to 75 ex patients/families
returned 100% letters of support for the charity and commended the work they
had done for their family and/or friend. Endorsements of Dr Mannings
professional approach to work ethics and administration of drugs was received
from practising medical professionals and past work colleagues of Dr Mannings.
All evidence suggested that work carried out at Star Throwers is ethical and
carried out in a proper and professional manner. Many sufferers past and present
have seen an improvement in their quality of life and an extension of their
life expectancy. The support for the charity has been phenomenal and a campaign
of support is in place to take forward to the appeal.
Star
Throwers has helped so many people both as patients and by working as a support
function for their families. The two patients named in the campaign did not
complain about any treatment received from the NHS or Star Throwers, their
families just happen to ask why the NHS could not supply the support Star
Throwers was administrating to their loved one. Both families have been on TV
to confirm their support for Dr Mannings and the charity and will join the
fight to reverse the injustice done.
To add a
message of support email info@starthrowers.org.uk, write into Star Throwers, 30
Melton Road, Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18
ODB or visit www.starthrowers.org.uk and send a message via the website.
Star
Throwers will remain open and continue to offer holistic treatment and one to
one support and advice for patients during the appeal process.
