Menu
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)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
08 August 2011
Cancer Survivors 'Should Exercise', Charity Claims
More than a million cancer survivors could be putting themselves at risk of long-term health problems because they are not physically active enough, a report by Macmillan Cancer Support has claimed. The charity's report, Move More, said that of the two million cancer survivors in the UK, around 1.
Cancer Survivors 'Should Exercise', Charity Claims
More than a million cancer survivors could be putting themselves at risk of long-term health problems because they are not physically active enough, a report by Macmillan Cancer Support has claimed. The charity's report, Move More, said that of the two million cancer survivors in the UK, around 1.
14 August 2014
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
30 Women Recalled For Breast Screening Over Doctor Concerns
Up to 30 women are to be recalled for breast cancer screenings after five patients treated by the same doctor developed the disease. Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust has identified the group of 30 women from a total of 626 that were seen between 2011 and 2014. It is understood that the women need "urgent appointments" for reassessment.
29 July 2010
£50M Fund For Cancer Drugs Announced
Cancer patients are set to get greater access to cancer drugs recommended by their doctors as a result of a new £50 million fund, the government has announced.
£50M Fund For Cancer Drugs Announced
Cancer patients are set to get greater access to cancer drugs recommended by their doctors as a result of a new £50 million fund, the government has announced.
16 April 2012
Celebs Support Early Detection Drive
Sharon Osbourne and football legends Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson are among the celebrities backing a drive to increase the early detection of cancer.
Celebs Support Early Detection Drive
Sharon Osbourne and football legends Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson are among the celebrities backing a drive to increase the early detection of cancer.
17 June 2005
New drug raises hope of cancer treatment
A prototype cancer drug, which could help fight a range of cancers, has shown “promising results” in clinical trials. Scientists from the Institute of Cancer Research found that the 17AAG drug selectively and potently blocked the growth of a wide range of common cancer cells.
New drug raises hope of cancer treatment
A prototype cancer drug, which could help fight a range of cancers, has shown “promising results” in clinical trials. Scientists from the Institute of Cancer Research found that the 17AAG drug selectively and potently blocked the growth of a wide range of common cancer cells.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
