Re-introduction of a prescription charge for hospital outpatient prescriptions

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A decision made on 4 June 2013:

Decision Reference: MD-HSS-2013-0021
Decision Summary Title :	Re-introduction of a prescription charge for hospital outpatient prescriptions		Date of Decision Summary:	30 May 2013
Decision Summary Author:	Assistant Director Corporate Planning and Performance Management		Decision Summary: Public or Exempt?	Public
Type of Report: Oral or Written?	Written		Person Giving Oral Report:
Written Report Title :	Re-introduction of a prescription charge for hospital outpatient prescriptions		Date of Written Report:	28 May 2013
Written Report Author:	Chief Pharmacist		Written Report : Public or Exempt?	Public
Subject: The re-introduction of a prescription charge for hospital outpatient prescriptions.
Decision(s): The Minister approved a report and proposition which sought the re-introduction of prescription charges for hospital outpatient prescriptions at a charge of £5 per item.
Reason(s) for decision: The reintroduction of hospital outpatient prescription charges will contribute to the overarching aim of the White Paper in encouraging more patients to be managed within the community. This scheme will generate ‘user pays’ income for the Health and Social Services Comprehensive Spending Review.
Resource Implications: A £5 per month, per item prescription charge will generate a recurring net income of around £150k per year. Delivery of the scheme includes provision for a full time Pharmacy assistant and set up costs, all of which are to be funded from income generated by the scheme.
Action required: Greffier of the States to be requested to arrange for the Report and Proposition to be lodged “au Greffe” for debate by the States Assembly.
Signature:		Position: Minister for Health and Social Services
Date Signed:		Date of Decision (If different from Date Signed):