Hi all
I thought I'd share this with you for information
Prescription drugs pregabalin and gabapentin are to be reclassified as class C controlled substances from 1st April 2019
Doctors will now need to physically sign prescriptions, rather than electronic copies being accepted by pharmacists. In addition, pharmacists must dispense the drugs within 28 days of the prescription being written.
Cost of NHS prescriptions rose to £9 on MONDAY 1st April 2019
The Pre-Payment Certificate cost has been frozen, at £29.10 for three months and £104 for a year.
Charges only apply to patients in England, while prescriptions continue to be free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
People who get free prescriptions, such as those on low incomes, won’t automatically be exempt from the rules
People with permanent stomas (Ileostomy, Colostomy and Urostomy) will still be exempt
People with temporary stomas are required to pay prescription charges.
Cancer patients are still exempt
People who are exempt under the age of 60 should apply for a medical exemption certificate (application forms from GP surgeries, pharmacy's and some hospital clinics) the form should be signed by a health professional the exemption will be backdated 1 month and any prescription charges paid will be refunded if you send in the receipts.
Hope this is of interest to you.
Ian
