The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 280 No 7488 p141
9 February 2008

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Further information issued on prescription charge changes in Scotland

Pharmacists in Scotland are being sent information this week about changes to NHS prescription charges that will take place in April 2008.

In December 2007, it was announced that NHS prescription charges would be cut to £5 in April with the price of prepayment certificates slashed by half (PJ, 8 December 2007, p635). This week’s information explains provisions for patients who have existing prepayment certificates and cross-border arrangements.

An NHS circular (PDF 90K) explains that patients who purchased a prepayment certificate in 2007–08 that remains valid for one month or longer on 1 April will be able to claim a partial refund. Refund claim forms are currently being produced and will be distributed to community pharmacies.

Between now and April, prepayment certificates can continue to be sold but patients should be told about the cost changes so that they can make an informed choice. A patient information leaflet is being produced to assist this process and will be sent to pharmacies.

If, on 1 April, contractors have unsold prepayment certificates purchased at the old price, they will be reimbursed for the difference in price. Arrangements for reconciling stocks are being made by the practitioner services division of NHS National Services Scotland.

The circular also states that prescriptions presented for dispensing in Scotland that have been written in England, Wales or Northern Ireland will not be eligible for the reduced Scottish prescription charge: instead, the rate applicable in England will be charged.

However, patients who live in Scotland but who are registered with a GP in England will be supplied with an entitlement card. This will enable them to pay the Scottish prescription charge in Scotland for English-written prescriptions. Patients who live in England but are registered with a GP in Scotland will be entitled to Scottish prescription charges providing they have their prescription dispensed in Scotland.

Students and visitors to Scotland who register with a Scottish GP as temporary residents will also be entitled to the reduced Scottish prescription charge.