FREE PRESCRIPTION CHARGES FOR CANCER PATIENTS
March 30, 2009 5:50 PM
From 1 April cancer patients will receive their prescriptions free of charge. In order to take full advantage of this, it is vital that they apply for a prescription charge exemption certificate. Nick Harvey, MP for North Devon, says, 'Everyone should be made aware that people across England who are receiving treatment for cancer or its effects will no longer have to pay for their prescriptions.
'This is a welcome move as many cancer patients in rural areas suffer financial hardship and these changes should help.
'It is crucial that Devon Primary Care Trust does all it can to raise awareness of these important changes amongst health professionals and those affected by cancer and I am lobbying to that affect.'
FURTHER INFORMATION
Research by Macmillan Cancer Support shows that nearly 50 per cent of cancer patients are forced to cut back on basic needs, such as food or heating, in order to pay for their prescriptions under the old system.
This change in the exemption rules could potentially help nationally around 150,000 cancer patients under 60.
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