I can’t believe this. I’m booked in to have a minor surgery on my feet to clear up infected skin that has failed to respond to other treatments. It’s on the NHS so the surgery is free, but they just told me I have to pay for a pack of dressings to take home (as the wound needs the dressing changed every day and the pack apparently contains something to keep the dressings dry in the shower.) This pack is bloody £37, and I have to buy two as both my feet are having the surgery. I can’t be the only one who thinks these packs should be free along with the surgery? And where am I supposed to get £74 while going through a benefit appeal? Just when I think life can’t get worse, it finds a way. Being ill/disabled is so bloody expensive!
That really really sucks comrade.
I understand you’re currently fighting to get your disability benefits restored. If you can show proof that you’ve historically been on benefits or income support then the NHS should give you them for free in the same way that you should have previously been receiving free prescriptions.
Do you have a HC2 certificate? This entitles you to free NHS prescriptions, dental care, and fabric supports (which I assume these dressings fall under).
https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/nhs-low-income-scheme/hc2-certificates-full-help-health-costs
You’re absolutely correct in that these things should be free, however the NHS has historically charged for fabric supports and wigs in the same way that they charge a nominal fee for prescriptions in most cases. The NHS absorbs the rest of the cost. This is crappy and puts you on the spot if you can’t afford it and aren’t prepared with evidence that you get free prescriptions, and I’m sorry you experienced this.
There should be someone at the hospital or at the NHS trust you can speak to about getting the charges dismissed.
I have a medical exemption certificate. Because I’m a cancer patient, I don’t have to pay for prescriptions, regardless of income or benefit status. Thanks, I will ask them about this.