Patients in England not collecting NHS prescriptions because of cost

Half of pharmacists in England reported that patients were asking which items they could do without'

Rising numbers of patients in England are failing to collect their medicines or asking pharmacists which ones they can do without" because they cannot afford prescription charges, a survey shows.

NHS prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, there are exemptions for certain items, medical conditions and specific parts of the population, but most adults have to pay. The current prescription charge is 9.35 an item.