On her 21st birthday, my daughter received the devastating diagnosis of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. As she embarked on the difficult journey of treatment, she had to endure numerous bone marrow aspirations and biopsies. What made this excruciating journey even more unbearable was the refusal to grant her request for general anaesthetic during these procedures, unlike children who are put to sleep. My daughter had no choice but to undergo these invasive procedures fully conscious, experiencing immense pain and trauma with each one. It was a situation where she had to choose between enduring unbearable pain or facing dire health consequences.

Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are critical in diagnosing and monitoring blood disorders and cancers. However, they are known to be highly painful procedures, causing significant distress and anxiety for patients. While children are commonly given general anaesthesia to ease their discomfort and fear, adults are often denied this choice, based on outdated protocols or cost considerations, despite experiencing the same levels of pain.

The United Kingdom prides itself on offering compassionate, patient-centred care. Yet, denying adult patients the option for general anaesthetic during such painful procedures contradicts the values of empathy and understanding. It is necessary to reassess official guidelines and clinical practices to align them with modern, humane standards of care where the comfort and well-being of patients are prioritised.

We are calling on the National Health Service and relevant medical bodies to revise their protocols to ensure that adult patients undergoing bone marrow aspirations and biopsies have the option to choose general anaesthesia, thus allowing them the same comfort and dignity extended to younger patients. This change is essential not only for improving the treatment experience of current patients but also for upholding the integrity and reputation of our healthcare system globally.

Please join this call for change by signing this petition to ensure no more individuals have to endure the unnecessary pain associated with bone marrow procedures. Let us work together to elevate the standard of care in our healthcare system, ensuring compassion and understanding for all patients.