itsnotourfault.myfastforum.org

admin

Hi guys and a very warm welcome to our new members!

Here is this week's poll. Please feel free to add any comments when casting your vote!

Thanks

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Kerry
Founder.

willsmum · Newbie Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 2 Location: Herts

I have MS and depression. As such I take several different medications each day to control symptoms.

If I had something like a thyroid problem I might need to take only 1 tablet a day....yet I'd be exempt. But I have to pay for all my medication.

The only way I've found that helps is to buy a pre-payment certificate as at least that reduces the cost.

I think that the categories for exemption from prescription charges seriously need looking at.

Rach xx

Mikea · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Kettering

I'm sitting on the fence with this one.

As a Diabetic I can get free medication, my wife with MS is not supposed to, however, we are on tax credit and therefore qualify this way.

I do sympathise with Rach and agree for people like her it should be free. However, I believe that not all disabled people need medication or treatment that would qualify under this subject. Education may be all that is needed in some cases, and that is covered by other legislation.

If we were to campaign for this I feel we would need to qualify just who we mean by disabled before jumping wholheartedly into the fray.
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Mike Abbott

Accessible to all

treborc · Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 21

I agree with you all disabled should have free prescrptions, and all the drug addicts and drunks should pay for theirs.

For years I paid for mine, and all the drug addicts got all theirs free, if that is not wrong what is.

admin · Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2007 6:25 am Post subject: Weekly Poll

Thanks for comments so far. I agree, it is a bit of a grey area, but I definitely think those who need free prescriptions should get them.

I don't believe that drug users should get them. While rehab is important, drug abuse is self-inflicted, so therefore, NHS should not cover them.

It is very difficult though. The main problem I have found when speaking to people are those who have a lot of medications and have to pay per item. And also, the other one is dental treament, with a lot of practises not able to take NHS patients.

Maybe there has to be a big shake up of the whole system? What do others think?
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Kerry
Founder.

Mikea · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Kettering

We should be careful when applying the term 'drug addict'. According to the DDA drug addicts are excluded except those whose addiction is a result of prescribed medication.

I remember in the days of my youth how Prozac was prescribed for depression, but it also proved to be an addictive drug, and many people had to be treated for the resulting addiction.

Alcoholism is, I believe, different, it is not a result of prescription medicine but dependency due to abuse.

shazfromnorthampton · Posted: Tue Feb 20, 2007 9:17 pm Post subject:

I do sympathise with Rach and agree for people like her it should be free. However, I believe that not all disabled people need medication or treatment that would qualify under this subject. Education may be all that is needed in some cases, and that is covered by other legislation.

What do you mean EDUCATION, do you mean a disabled person can get better by education, If so can I have some for my pain?

Shaz

Mikea · Newbie Joined: 08 Jan 2007 Posts: 20 Location: Kettering

No I do not mean that Shaz. Disability is a lot broader than just physical disability and encompasses mental as well.

I am sorry you are in pain, so are my wife and younger son and I can entirely sympathise with your problem.
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Mike Abbott

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admin · Posted: Wed Feb 21, 2007 12:27 am Post subject: Education

I agree in part over the suggestion of education, and I think this education should be aimed at the relevant parties who government prescriptions. I think those who need a lot of medication and who are on very low incomes should be entitled to help. Those who are medium incomes i.e are in receipt of DLA but still able to work, should possibly be entitled to some help - maybe reduced costs.

But really, my main focus is on those groups who struggle enormously to pay for much needed prescriptions and find that a good proportion of the costs eat into their benefits. I think, those solely living on benefits should be considered to a greater extent.
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Kerry
Founder.

treborc · Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2007 Posts: 21

Should have said illegal drugs. I have noticed DLA is being paid at the full levels to people who have become addicted to illegal drugs. I know of numerous people who are now getting DLA high rate of mobility and care, and all the do is use the money to buy drugs, while people who are actually disabled through no fault of their own are being told sorry your not that serious.

I mean we have so many people being rejected for DLA because doctors think they are able to work, why is it illegal drugs users are not forced back into work