Cancer patients are paying for their medicines – because they are not being told by hospital doctors they can get free prescriptions.
A report by Macmillan Cancer Support revealed that more than a third of cancer patients at Pennine Acute Trust – which runs hospitals in Rochdale, Bury, Oldham and North Manchester – were not told they could get free drugs because of their illness.
Only 63 per cent of Pennine patients said they knew they were eligible, putting the trust bottom of the Greater Manchester league table.
The University Hospital of South Manchester also ranked poorly with just 66 per cent of patients saying they were told they did not need to pay.
Best performing was Salford Royal – with just over four in five cancer patients aware of the exemption. Figures from the National Cancer Experience Survey showed around a third of cancer patients nationally were not told of their entitlements.
Macmillan said they were ‘disappointed’ by the findings, which were published two years after the charity successfully campaigned to get free prescriptions for people with cancer. Maureen Rutter, of Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “It’s wrong that some cancer patients are needlessly paying for prescriptions.
“With charges being increased to £7.40 per item, this continues to be a tax on the sick that they should not be paying. “
In April 2009, cancer patients became eligible for exemption certificates for any medication relating to their cancer, its treatments and the effects of the treatment. But charity chiefs say many cancer patients are still not aware of the help available and are continuing to cut back on essential items, such as food or heating just to pay for their prescriptions.
Alison McCarthy, Macmillan lead cancer nurse at Pennine Acute Trust, said all patients were given an information pack when they are diagnosed with cancer, including details on prescription fee.
She added: “We are working closely with our pharmacy team and all cancer and palliative care nurse specialists to make sure that this is highlighted to patients.”
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At a time when perhaps you are not thinking too clearly, it would help to be informed about free drugs! To anyone who is helping someone through cancer, ask the staff and keep asking!
Is it a doctors responsibility to tell people about free prescriptions? There's been a whole swath of publicity about this some people seem to need it hammered into them before they realise!
66% of people say they were told, what percentage at a time of major trauma can't remember whether they were told or not? It's being reccomended that people record their conversations at these times because memory is so unreliable and they forget large portions of what they have been told.
It's not just cancer patients. Other conditions qualify for free prescriptions. I paid for two annual "season tickets" before my chemist pointed this out. See http://www.patient.co.uk/health/Free-or-Reduced-Cost-Prescriptions.htm
Although there are many conditions requiring regular medication, only the following qualify for an exemption certificate:
Treatment for cancer; note this includes treatment for the effects of cancer, or treatment for the effects of a current or previous cancer treatment.
A permanent fistula requiring dressing.
Forms of hypoadrenalism such as Addison's disease.
Diabetes insipidus and other forms of hypopituitarism.
Diabetes mellitus except where treatment is by diet alone.
Hypoparathyroidism.
Myxoedema (underactive thyroid) or other conditions where thyroid hormone replacement is necessary.
Myasthenia gravis.
Epilepsy requiring continuous anticonvulsive medication.
A continuing physical disability which means you cannot go out without help from another person.
If you have one of the specified conditions ask for an application form (FP92A - clearly marked 1 January 2009) from your doctor's surgery. You need to fill it in and your doctor (or an authorised member of the practice staff) will sign to confirm the information you've given is correct. You will then be sent a Medical Exemption Certificate.
If you have a Medical Exemption Certificate all your prescriptions are free, whatever the medication is for
why is the UK tax payers are letting Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland get free prescriptions and we have to pay !! is it some thing to do with all the money we give them to be independent. but they can vote on UK issues and we have no say on theirs. two Liabour Scottish P.M's that's their export to exploit the UK taxpayer. they want Independence they can pay their own way and see how long it will last !!