Bury Cancer Patients To Benefit From Free Prescriptions

Date published: 27 January 2009

Patients in Bury can now apply for free prescriptions in a new NHS scheme to abolish charges for people undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment. All medicines will be covered by the exemption, including drugs not relating to the actual disease.

Bury’s Director for Public Health Dr Peter Elton said: 

“People living with cancer in our borough now have one less worry at such a difficult time. As patients live with cancer for much longer than in the past, it is only right that they should not have to pay for their prescriptions. I would urge eligible people to find out more about how they could benefit and apply for an exemption certificate."

Prescriptions will be free as of 1st April but patients can apply now, with all applications received by 24th March processed in time for the start date. Application forms will be available from GP surgeries across Bury and all oncology (tumours) clinics. The forms must be countersigned by the patient’s GP or treatment doctor.

The exemption certificate is valid for five-years and can be renewed as many times as necessary. It will not have to be returned if the patients condition changes.

Nationally up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer are expected to benefit from the new scheme. A review is also under way across England to introduce free prescriptions for people with other long-term conditions, eventually benefiting around five million people. Members of the public can contribute their views on the matter via a consultation document on the Department of Health website until 27th February. www.dh.gov.uk/prescriptionchargesreview