All dialysis patients are entitled to free prescriptions. You should NOT be paying prescription charges on dialysis
Here is information from the DoH on clarifying exemptions for renal dialysis patients
http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Healthcare/Nati ... DH_4138605
Important bits highlighted:
If you don't already have exemption, print this out and take it to the doctor and DEMAND he/she sign an exemption form, as you are completely entitled.Clarification of guidance on exemption from prescription charges for renal dialysis patients. Last modified date: 8 February 2007
The clarification of guidance on exemption from prescription charges for renal dialysis patients was issued in the Chief Executive's Bulletin of 1-7 December 2000, Issue 44
Guidance on exemption from prescription charges is set out in leaflet HC11, Help with Health Costs. The leaflet is also published on the Department of Health website
We would like to clarify the conditions for medical exemption from prescription charges in the case of dialysis patients. Any patient who has a permanent fistula which requires a surgical dressing or an appliance would be entitled to medical exemption if they have completed application form FP92A and a doctor has signed the form to confirm the condition (in this context, "permanent" is taken to mean "intended to last indefinitely"). Whether or not a dialysis patient has a permanent fistula which requires a surgical dressing or appliance is a matter for their doctor's clinical judgement.
We would expect the criteria to be met where there is a clinical need for a permanent fistula to be covered by a surgical dressing (for example between haemodialysis treatments) or by an appliance (such as a catheter for peritoneal dialysis).
It is not being on dialysis per se that exempts you, but the presence of either a fistula, PD catheter or neckline for three reasons:
1. The fistula or catheter is permanent
2. It requires a dressing or covering
3. The PD catheter/neckline is connected to an external device
Now, whether a PD catheter is considered permanent or not is quote "at the doctors discretion" but how are you to possibly know if or when it might be removed if you will get a transplant? All fistulas and catheters are put in intended for indefinite use ie. no-one knows how long you will be using it for. It might be permanent for as transplant waiters all too painfully know, it is impossible to predict. Even if you are lined up for a living transplant, it might not work. If ANY doctor tries to argue against this, be stong and stand your ground.
If you have kidney failure cos of diabetes, you are entitled to free prescriptions anyway.
Hope this helps!