Man appeals over sleep condition

A man who has a condition which leads to intense snoring and can also make him forget to breathe while asleep is urging a primary care trust to help.

Bill Wilkinson, 46, from Coalport, Shropshire, has been to clinics and doctors but has not been able to get the tests he believes he needs.

Telford and Wrekin Primary Care Trust cannot comment on individual cases.

But it said it has agreed to fund machines for those with sleep apnoea, which causes breathing difficulties.

'Virtually impossible'

Mr Wilkinson said he has trouble sleeping and is lethargic through the day.

He said: "While I'm asleep I actually stop breathing, which wakes you up with quite a sudden jump.

"I can't sleep through the night sometimes because the fact that I stop breathing wakes me up and it's virtually impossible to get back off again."

In a statement, the trust said it has been working with Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust on the issue of sleep apnoea treatment.

It said: "We have now identified that there are a number of patients who have been waiting some time for CPAP machines as part of their sleep apnoea treatment.

"The PCT has agreed to fund CPAP machines for patients with severe and moderate sleep apnoea.

"Patients will be contacted by the Hospital Respiratory Team in order for a review and supply of a CPAP machine."