Since 1st April 2009, cancer patients in England have been entitled to free prescriptions, but it seems that only a minority are taking advantage of this, with approximately 90,000 of an estimated 150,000 people with cancer in England still paying for their prescriptions (£7.20 each).
To get the exemption from charges, patients must complete a form which they can get from their GP or cancer specialist and which needs to be signed by the GP or specialist. The form is then sent to the NHS Business Services Authority and the patient is given a five year exemption certificate, in the form of a credit card sized document, which you can carry in your wallet.
The scheme is available to people undergoing treatment for cancer or for the effects of cancer treatment.
Martin Ledwick, head of Cancer Research UK's information nurses, said:
“It's disappointing if cancer patients are missing out on the free prescriptions they're now entitled to have. These prescriptions will help tens of thousands of people struggling with the heavy cost of having cancer.”
For more information see: www.news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/8227371.stm
7th September 2009
Monday 7 September 2009
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