Free NHS prescriptions
 

... for some.

Now - what will they say a "long-term condition" is?

I have sinus problems and take a spray everyday - been on it for about 19 years - is that long term enough to qualify?

Would save me ~£75 a year.


Link

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

My mother has a thyroid problem and has had free prescriptions because of this for years

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

Bet her condition is included in the list for this "new" scheme ;)

NuLabour: Where cynicism and realism collide.

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

Yeah, The thing here is not that NHS prescription are free as a lot are already free for people with long-term conditions. It's about the more expensive drugs for cancer and for other drugs like those that can save people's eyesight and so forth, I would imagine this is gonna be expensive so I doubt they going to extend it to other conditions which are not already covered.

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

Quick question for anyone who's suffered or knows someone who's suffered from cancer.
What charges are there?
I can't imagine chemotherapy has prescription charges.
Is it pain killing medication?

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

From that article it will be all the cancer drugs first, then others to follow. I really hope they will include the ones for degenerative conditions, and eyesight saving drugs, because those conditions have always struck me as especially awful.

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

Thing is Damien, he didn't say all cancer treatment drugs will be available.
All he said was that charges would be scrapped for cancer patients.
Would mean if you had cancer and caught tonsilitus, you'd get free antibiotics.
Wouldn't mean you'd get that really expensive and slightly better performing drug that just might save your life though.

And I've answered my previous question.

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

Oh, I not sure what it means then...The cancer charity quoted were pleased so I guess there are some things cancer patients have to pay for..

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

You've been tripped up by the spin.

It's only prescription charges affected, not cancer drugs that aren't currently provided.

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

What on earth do cancer patients pay for then...Must be pain killing drugs..

Shame it's not the better drugs but I guess it makes sense, I wasn't sure how they would suddenly be able to afford them..

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

I'd imagine, it's any other medication that you'd normally pay for, like antibiotics for an infection.
Of course it's great that they won't have to pay, but I can imagine most doctors giving free antibiotics (either GP or hospital) anyway as someone on chemo is going to have a weakened immune system anyway (my understanding of it).
So while making it official is good, the actual impact/difference is probably going to be negligable.
Now something like allowing patients to recieve NHS treatment while also taking medication sourced privately would be more effective. The current system is illogical.

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

That would be logical; I thought that they could do both. Ideally, it would be good to at least try and make those expensive drugs cheaper for those who desire them. Maybe they could do deals with the pharmaceuticals companies to provide them at a bulk rate to the NHS, maybe make them knock a bit off additionally so it doesn’t look like they are unfairly profiting from cancer suffers (while acknowledging that monetary incentive is the only way innovation can continue, these companies need a reason, and money, to do their research)

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

We have the crazy situation that if you buy your own medication then the NHS won't provide for you.
Terry Pratchett is campainging against it I believe, as he's had to buy his medication becuase the NHS won't provide it during the early stages of his illness, so by the time he does degenerate enough to qualify for it, he won't get it on the NHS.

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

I have been a cancer patient since last year.

I have never paid for ANY drugs or treatment of any kind.
I have received chemotherapy, steroids, anti sickness drugs, blood, platelets, food via IV and free transport to and from my hospital.

I have heard of cases where patients have been charged outside of the hospital though. I guess that is what he is aiming at??

Also..... when do I stop being a cancer patient??

Re: Free NHS prescriptions
 

My late wife had a condition called "non hodgkins lymphoma" which is basically cancer of the lymph system which stops working against antibodies and allows the body to "destroy" itself.
She did die, but there was no question, that she recieved the best care and no drugs were withheld to try every combination which might put it into regression.