Prescription charge cut is huge deal

Apr 3 2009

IN her PA column today, Roseanna Cunningham MSP mentions that prescription charges have now been reduced from £5 to £4, effective immediately.

Speaking as someone who requires regular prescriptions after a cancer diagnosis four years ago, this is a BIG DEAL.

It’s a well known fact that financial concerns come second only to physical pain as a cause of stress for cancer patients – and many others suffering chronic ill-health – as the extra costs associated with their diagnosis are often made worse by a drop in income.

Prescription charges add to the financial burden and this additional cost has forced patients to make choices between medicines and other outgoings.

I now look forward to seeing the charges dropped completely, something which will make a huge difference to those living with cancer.

And until they are abolished, I would urge any PA readers who regularly require a prescription and are not exempt from charges to consider buying a pre payment certificate which can cover the cost for up to a year.