GLASGOW patients with a blood disease known as the “Celtic curse” that effectively causes the insides of the body to rust if untreated have said service cuts due to the Covid-19 crisis puts them at risk. 

Haemochromatosis is an inherited condition where iron levels in the body slowly build up over many years and is more common in Scotland, Ireland and Wales.

The build-up of iron, known as iron overload, if not treated can damage parts of the body such as the liver, joints, pancreas and heart while other symptoms include lethargy and joint pain.

Some Glasgow patients have been told that the routine blood letting treatment for the condition will be suspended at Stobhill Hospital until August while hospitals prioritise Covid-19 cases, while another patient was told she could be waiting six months  to be seen at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

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Venesection aims to reduce the number of red blood cells, is a similar procedure to donating blood and is done as an outpatient.

NHS guidelines recommend that the procedure is carried out every six to 12 weeks if the condition is under control but more frequently if it is not. 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde said patients are being assessed on a “case by case” basis and said newly diagnosed patients would be prioritised.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the re-instatement of non-emergency treatments and operations can resume is “under active consideration” as the number of virus cases continues to fall.

Kevin Kane, from Glasgow, who suffers from the condition, argues that the treatment is essential for patients to stay well.

He said: “The public message is that the NHS is open for business. 

“For many haemochromatosis patients in my position, the NHS is closed for business.

“The need for me to see the GP is when I am symptomatic. 

“Typically, this happens to haemochromatosis patients when there is iron build up in the blood, which literally rusts your insides. The knock on effect of Covid-19 on the system will affect people with other conditions/illnesses too. I am sensitive to their needs.

“However, there are thousands of haemochromatosis patients who rely on regular bloodletting to stay healthy.”

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A spokeswoman for Glasgow’s health board said: “Where appropriate, venesection treatment continues to take place and patients are being considered on a case-by-case basis.

“Patients with haemochromatosis with well controlled iron levels have not undergone their next scheduled venesection, as a delay in venesection for those patients will not result in any harm as organ damage only occurs when a patient is exposed to high iron levels over a prolonged period of time i.e. a number of years. 

“Patients who present with a new diagnosis of haemochromatosis during the pandemic, are being venesected until their iron levels have been reduced to safe levels.

“As soon as the pandemic allows, patients will return to their regular venesection programme.”