A pensioner today told of her worry and confusion after receiving a letter from Southend Hospital.
Patricia Ingrams, 70, of Broomfield, Hadleigh, is in constant pain and is due to go into the Day Stay Unit of Southend Hospital next month for surgery on her back.
However, when she received her appointment she was consumed with anxiety on finding a letter advising her to stock up on pain killers at home before her operation.
The note also told Mrs Ingrams, who underwent spinal surgery three years ago, that she would be charged for any tablets or medicines she would need to take home after the procedure.
The worried patient, who is exempt from paying prescription charges as she is a pensioner, was convinced she would have to fork out for her medication.
She said: "I think this is very unfair and frightening for some people. It makes you wonder what else you have to pay for.
"It said if you need medicine you will have to pay £6.50 for one or two items or £12.50 for two to four items."
Director of Pharmacy at Southend Hospital, Steve Nice, said: "The trust is planning to do what the NHS requires us to do and charge day-stay patients who are eligible if they take any medication home.
"It will be new to us but it is established policy within the NHS.
"Pensioners aren't charged and we may need to look at the literature that is sent out to people."
Published Monday, May 19, 2003
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