People being treated for cancer can now apply for free prescriptions.
Everyone undergoing treatment for cancer, the effects of cancer or the effects of cancer treatment is entitled to free NHS prescriptions from 1st April this year.
Up to 150,000 patients already diagnosed with cancer are expected to benefit, saving them £100 or more each year in prescription charges.
Patients can collect an application form from their GP surgery or oncology clinic, from Tuesday 20th January 2009. Their GP, hospital doctor or service doctor must countersign the form.
All cancer patients are entitled to apply for a 5-year exemption certificate, which will entitle them to all their NHS prescriptions free of charge, not just those relating to cancer.
The certificate can be renewed as many times as necessary and will not have to be returned if the patient’s condition changes.
Applications received by 24th March will be processed in time to be used for 1st April. Patients who do not apply for their certificate in time will have any prescription charges they have paid since the 1st April refunded.
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