Prescription fees going up... again!

Patients hit with third annual rise in a row as charge jumps to £9.15

THE cost of an NHS prescription in England is rising to £9.15 next month – the third year in a row it has been hiked.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the 15p increase is ‘in line with inflation’.

But charities fear patients with long- standing or complicated conditions – who face the charge for each medicine or appliance dispensed – will struggle to afford the cost of their medication.

Patients in England can claim free prescriptions only if they are disabled, under 18, over 60, an inpatient, pregnant or on certain benefits. However, they have been free for everyone in Scotland since 2011, while there has been no charge in Wales since 2007 and Northern Ireland since 2010.

Laura Cockram, chairman of the Prescription Charges Coalition and head of policy at the charity Parkinson’s UK, said: ‘It is incredibly disappointing that yet again, people with long-term conditions are being penalised by an outdated prescription charges system. By continuing to drive up the cost of prescriptions, the Government is ignoring clear evidence that the charge is a false economy that leaves people unable to afford vital medication which places increased pressure on the NHS.’

Patients who need a lot of drugs can save costs by purchasing pre-payment certificates, which from April 1 will cost £29.65 for three months – a 55p increase – or £105.90 for 12 months, up £1.90.

Claire Anderson, chairman of the English pharmacy board at the Royal Pharmaceutical Society, said: ‘Raising the amount people have to pay for their prescriptions is deeply concerning.

‘People now may not be able to afford their prescriptions and shouldn’t be in a position where they have to ration or completely go without their medicines.

‘This could lead to more people becoming ill and would only put more strain on an already stretched NHS.

‘Prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so it seems unfair that patients must pay for their medicines in England.’

Other charities also hit out at the increase. The Kidney Care UK charity said: ‘The system must change so people with kidney disease and/or transplants don’t have to pay for lifesaving medicine.’ Anaphylaxis Campaign added: ‘The system must change so people with severe allergies don’t have to pay to stay well.’

Charges for wigs, often used by cancer patients who lose their hair during treatment, and fabric supports will also rise.

Synthetic wigs will increase from £72.80 to £74.15, partial human hair wigs will rise from £ 192.85 to £ 196.40 and full bespoke human hair wigs will rise from £282 to £287.20, while the cost of surgical bras, which are worn after operations, is going up from £29.50 to £30.05, and abdominal or spinal supports are rising from £44.55 to £45.35.

Simon Dukes, chief executive of the Pharmaceutical Services Negotiating Committee, which represents local pharmacies, said: ‘Pharmacies report that many people already find it difficult to pay the prescription charge. While we recognise the financial pressures that the NHS is under, raising the prescription tax once again runs the risk of those most in need not getting their medicines – ultimately adding to the NHS bill elsewhere.’

‘Many already find it difficult to pay’