Invoice for prescriptions from an a and e visit

[scooterbear]

I've received a letter this morning from the NHS invoicing me for 5 seperate prescription charges that I incurred during an a and e visit following a serious accident in December-drugs used during my immediate treatment in a and e. When did this become a thing?!
I will obviously pay it (I can just about afford it) and I still recognise that it's immensely good Value considering all the NHS resource I used (ambulance, drs, x ray, scans, etc etc). I was just a bit surprised as I've never heard of this sort of back dated prescription charging before?
What happens to people that need emergency treatment but can't afford the back dated prescription charges?

Hnrtft but that doesn’t sound right if it was for medication you had in AE ! I had a nasty fall a few years ago which involved me being sedated to have my dislocated shoulder fixed and a broken arm .
Paid for pain relief to take home but not the sedation I was given IV .
Definitely question this .

Have just read your most recent post…I still think the information you have been given is wrong! How about if you are unconscious and any other reason why you don’t have full MC to choose where you are taken to ?
Even if you can afford the charges you really do need to get advice!
So do all Essex AE units have a big notice stating that all patients will be charged for All medication given in the department…I very much doubt it .

Is it your nhs run by VIRGIN HEALTHCARE?

I was unconscious for some of it! And had no idea what was going on really for the rest. I agree it's a bit if a departure from the assumption of free at the point of use. No idea what happens to people that can't pay.

I think they do this when you have been involved in an RTC

I was billed for an ambulance once when I had a car accident.

I would pass it on to your car insurance company and it should form part of your claim

As you haven't been in an RTC I am wondering whether this has not been documented correctly and that's why they have billed you

It’s 5. (8) that makes this messy. It depends on their definition of “administered or applied personally”. Did they give you anything to take? I suspect you’ve been charged for medication which you took yourself but not for anything that was done to you, iyswim. 5. (8) means that chemo, anaesthetic and things like that will be free but paracetamol given to you to take in A&E will be charged for-but not if you’re an impatient as inpatient drugs are free.