Patients ‘skipping medicine because of cost’

Nearly one in 10 people have skipped taking medicine in the last year because they couldn’t afford the prescription charge, according to new research.

The analysis, by the Prescription Charges Coalition, also found that one in 10 were unable to collect their prescription due to its cost..

The coalition campaigns to scrap prescription charges in England for people with long-term conditions which aren’t currently on the exemption list.

Its research has found that the prescription charge is having a significant impact on the ability of people with long-term conditions in England to stay well. It is also impacting medicine adherence, quality of life, employment opportunities and their health outcomes, it says.

The coalition said that “it is clear the prescription charge exemption system needs urgent reform, as it is not meeting the needs of people with long-term conditions, and is putting their health at risk”.