This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/wales/8092351.stm

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Wales refunds English drugs costs Wales refunds English drugs costs
(about 2 hours later)
Welsh patients being treated at English hospitals will be able to reclaim the cost of any prescriptions issued there.Welsh patients being treated at English hospitals will be able to reclaim the cost of any prescriptions issued there.
Currently, patients who have medicines issued at an English hospital have to pay £7.20, the prescription rate in England, unless they are exempt. Currently, some patients who live near the border and have to get treatment in England must pay £7.20, the prescription rate in England.
Health minister Edwina Hart is to amend legislation to allow around 200 people to receive a refund back in Wales. Health Minister Edwina Hart is to amend legislation to allow around 200 people to receive a refund back in Wales.
The rule change is expected to be in place by the autumn. Wales abolished prescription charges in 2007.The rule change is expected to be in place by the autumn. Wales abolished prescription charges in 2007.
Mrs Hart said: "The majority of Welsh patients who live near the border and receive treatment in England benefit from free prescriptions because they use their entitlement card when they visit a pharmacy in Wales.Mrs Hart said: "The majority of Welsh patients who live near the border and receive treatment in England benefit from free prescriptions because they use their entitlement card when they visit a pharmacy in Wales.
"However, there are still some patients who will need to have a prescription dispensed in England and therefore do not receive free prescriptions unless they are exempt under the regulations in England."However, there are still some patients who will need to have a prescription dispensed in England and therefore do not receive free prescriptions unless they are exempt under the regulations in England.
'Cancer patients''Cancer patients'
"It is unreasonable for Welsh patients who have no choice but to receive their hospital care in England to have to pay for prescriptions. "It is unreasonable for Welsh patients who have no choice but to receive their hospital care in England to have to pay for prescriptions."
"Providing refunds for these patients is the simplest and least bureaucratic way of ensuring all Welsh patients benefit from our free prescriptions policy.
"Evidence suggests that about 200 people will benefit every year."
Mrs Hart added the altered legislation would also include exemptions for cancer patients after England extended its exemption scheme to include them, so that anyone with the condition visiting Wales would be able to claim their free medication.Mrs Hart added the altered legislation would also include exemptions for cancer patients after England extended its exemption scheme to include them, so that anyone with the condition visiting Wales would be able to claim their free medication.