RCN: NHS prescription charges are unfair
Published: 05 March 2009
The Royal College of Nursing has said that the current system of prescription charging in England is ‘unfair and inconsistent’. The College said that it is important to be clear on where money comes from to fund the prescriptions before further changes are made.
The comments came as the British Medical Association said that prescription charges for patients in England should be abolished and it was announced that NHS prescription charges will be raised by ten pence to £7.20 from April 2009.
RCN Chief Executive & General Secretary, Dr Peter Carter said:
“The system of prescription charging as it stands is unfair and inconsistent, which is why we have welcomed moves by the government to make prescriptions free for cancer patients and for those with other long term conditions. However, before a wider change is made it is essential to be clear on where the money comes from. Money should not be taken away from other vital parts of the NHS to fund free prescriptions for all.”
People in Wales already receive free prescriptions and charges will be abolished in Northern Ireland by 2010 and by 2011 in Scotland.
Further information
Read: Department of Health Review - Prescription charges for those with long term conditions - BMA response on the British Medical Association website.