Are you eligible for help with prescriptions?

1st November 2023Patient information, Prescriptions

Prescription prepayment certificates (PPCs) can save you money if you pay for more than three items in three months, or 11 items in 12 months.

Do you live with any long-term conditions?

If you’re on low income, you could be entitled for help with costs or free prescriptions through the PPC scheme, depending on your circumstances.

The prescription charge in England is £9.65 per item. A PPC costs:

  • £31.25 for 3 months
  • £111.60 for 12 months

 

Check your eligibility

Checks are made on free NHS prescriptions to prevent and detect fraud and error. If you claim free prescriptions you’re not entitled to, you could have to pay a penalty charge of up to £100.

Check now

 

Who can get free prescriptions ?

You can get free NHS prescriptions if, at the time the prescription is dispensed, you:

  • are 60 or over
  • are under 16
  • are 16 to 18 and in full-time education
  • are pregnant or have had a baby in the previous 12 months and have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx)
  • have a specified medical condition and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
  • have a continuing physical disability that prevents you going out without help from another person and have a valid medical exemption certificate (MedEx)
  • hold a valid war pension exemption certificate and the prescription is for your accepted disability
  • are an NHS inpatient
  • and more. Find out here

 

Did you know people over 40 can get a free blood pressure check?

1st November 2023Patient information, Pharmacies / Pharmacy

Pharmacies are offering free blood pressure checks to individuals who are over 40 years old and live in England.

This service is restricted to those who already have high blood pressure or have had a blood pressure check with a doctor, nurse or pharmacist within the past six months.

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions-and-pharmacies/find-a-pharmacy-that-offers-free-blood-pressure-checks/

Digital red book aka eRedbook to close from 1 April

28th March 2023Patient information
Digital red book aka eRedbook to close from 1 April

From 1 April 2023, the digital red book, also known as eRedbook, will no longer be available for babies living in London following the end of NHSE London’s contract with Sitekit, the provider of the eRedbook on 31 March 2023.

No new data will flow into existing newborns eRedbooks. Previously, parents living in London used their eRedbook to access and store details of their newborn screening, immunisation and many other features.

The paper-based red book will continue to be the definitive parent- held record for children’s immunisations, health reviews and screening tests until a national solution for a digital personal child health record is in place. Each child who currently has an eRedbook should also have a paper-based red book, which is kept up to date with key health information. Parents have an opportunity to copy their personal data prior to the London eRedbook service closure in July 2023.

Find out more