Rising NHS charges risk Leicester's health

5.31.45pm GMT Fri 11th Mar 2005

The Department of Health has announced that from the start of April the cost of an NHS prescription in England is to rise by 10p to £6.50. NHS dentistry charges will also go up, with the maximum cost for a single course of treatment rising to £384.

Commenting on the increased charges for NHS services, Leicester South MP, Parmjit Singh Gill said:

"Charges for dental and eye check-ups discourage people from seeking regular checks. This prevents problems from being identified and dealt with quickly.

"The Liberal Democrats will abolish charges for dental and eye check-ups. We want to see an end to this drill and fill approach to dental treatment.

"Prescription charges deter many people from seeking medical attention or taking the medicines they have been prescribed. These charges can be a significant burden on people who need a large number of prescriptions but don't qualify for the existing exemptions.

"The Liberal Democrats will freeze the level of prescription charges and conduct a much-needed review of exemptions."

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. BBC News online coverage:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4336225.stm