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PATIENT FORUM GROUP
The Meads Surgery has a Patient Forum Group that meets regularly to assess the surgery’s progress. The Forum Group provides constructive criticism and recently started producing a newsletter for patients. Should you wish to become a member of the Patient Forum Group please contact the practice manager.
HELP WITH HEALTH COSTS
For people who have to pay prescription charges and need regular medication, valuable savings can be made through the Prescription Pre-payment Certificate scheme (PPC). PPCs save money for anyone needing more than five prescription items in four months, or 14 items in a year. The charge for a yearly PPC is £95.30, whereas a 3-month PPC is £34.65. More information can be obtained by accessing the NHS Business Services Authority website at www.ppa.nhs.uk or asking at reception. Similarly, there are medical exemption certificates available for people with certain conditions, including epilepsy and diabetes (except where treatment is by diet alone), that provide an entitlement to free prescriptions and avoid the need to buy a PPC. There is also an NHS Low Income Scheme that provides a 'safety net' for people who don't automatically qualify for help with health costs, but who still find it difficult to pay. Anyone can apply using claim form HC1 or by speaking with an advisor on 0845 850 1166, as long as they don't have savings or capital of more than £16,000 (£21,000 for those permanently in a care home).
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