Patients in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland do not pay prescription charges. The PDA is an active member of the Prescription Charges Coalition working to have these charges removed in England too. However, in the meantime, the PDA is highlighting NHS England’s current efforts to minimise charges so that members practicing in England can alert patients to this possibility.
A Healthwatch poll found that 10% of people have avoided taking up one or more NHS prescriptions because of the cost. Therefore, NHS England’s campaign specifically targets those living with long-term conditions and people living in deprived areas. Data has shown that these populations receive significantly more prescription items than those living in less deprived areas.
Information for pharmacists to share with patients
- People living with a long-term condition may be able to save money on their prescriptions.
- A Prescription Prepayment Certificate will save people money if they pay for more than 3 items in 3 months, or 11 items in 12 months.
- People on a low income could be entitled to help with NHS costs or free prescriptions depending on their circumstances. People can check if they’re eligible for help in minutes using this online eligibility checker.
Learn more
- NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate
- Check if you’re eligible for help
- Prescription Charges Coalition
- Campaigning with others
Not yet a PDA member?
If you have not yet joined the PDA, we encourage you to join today and ask your colleagues to do the same.
Membership is FREE to pharmacy students, trainee pharmacists, and for the first three months of being newly qualified.
Read about our key member benefits here.