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20/01/2009
Cancer Patients Urged To Apply For Free Prescriptions From Today
People being treated for cancer will be eligible for free prescriptions from 1st April and can apply for free prescriptions from today.
The new scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in September last year, abolishes NHS prescription charges for everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.
Up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer are expected to benefit, and may save £100 each year in prescription charges.
All cancer patients are entitled to apply for a 5-year exemption certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free of charge, not just those relating to cancer. The certificate can be renewed as many times as necessary and will not have to be returned if the patient's condition changes.
Application forms can be collected from GP surgeries and oncology clinics from today and must be countersigned by the patient's GP, hospital doctor or service doctor.
Applications received by 24th March will be processed in time to be used for 1st April. Patients who do not receive for their certificate in time may have any prescription charges they have paid since the 1st April refunded.
Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo said: "This new scheme gives people living with cancer one less worry at such a difficult time.
"Everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment is entitled to free prescriptions from 1st April. I would urge patients to make an appointment with their GP from this week to talk about applying for their exemption certificate."
The scheme will be extended to include all patients with long-term conditions in due course. This will take around five million patients, all with high ongoing prescription costs, out of charges. A review of how to bring this measure in, led by Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, is currently consulting patients, the public, patient representative bodies, clinicians and healthcare organisations.
(JM/BMcC)
The new scheme, announced by the Prime Minister in September last year, abolishes NHS prescription charges for everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment.
Up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer are expected to benefit, and may save £100 each year in prescription charges.
All cancer patients are entitled to apply for a 5-year exemption certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free of charge, not just those relating to cancer. The certificate can be renewed as many times as necessary and will not have to be returned if the patient's condition changes.
Application forms can be collected from GP surgeries and oncology clinics from today and must be countersigned by the patient's GP, hospital doctor or service doctor.
Applications received by 24th March will be processed in time to be used for 1st April. Patients who do not receive for their certificate in time may have any prescription charges they have paid since the 1st April refunded.
Public Health Minister, Dawn Primarolo said: "This new scheme gives people living with cancer one less worry at such a difficult time.
"Everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer, or the effects of cancer treatment is entitled to free prescriptions from 1st April. I would urge patients to make an appointment with their GP from this week to talk about applying for their exemption certificate."
The scheme will be extended to include all patients with long-term conditions in due course. This will take around five million patients, all with high ongoing prescription costs, out of charges. A review of how to bring this measure in, led by Professor Ian Gilmore, President of the Royal College of Physicians, is currently consulting patients, the public, patient representative bodies, clinicians and healthcare organisations.
(JM/BMcC)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
