A helping hand with health costs – don’t miss out on support you’re eligible for
Worrying about the cost of prescriptions or getting to medical appointments should never get in the way of your wellbeing. The good news is that there’s support out there for many people to help with things like getting to hospital appointments, paying for prescriptions, and even covering the cost of glasses or dental care.
Here are a few ways the NHS in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly can help:
Help with getting to appointments
If you have a medical condition that makes it hard to travel to appointments, there are local patient transport schemes that could help and you may be eligible for NHS funded transport.
Patient transport schemes:
- Cornwall Council provides information on some volunteer transport schemes (including accessible vehicles). Call TAP Cornwall 01872 223388 or visit Community Transport – Cornwall Council.
- Age UK Cornwall & The Isles of Scilly | Community Transport Services
- Volunteer Cornwall by calling 01872 265300 or visiting at Book transport – Volunteer Cornwall
NHS-funded patient transport is available for patients meeting the medical and financial conditions for support.
You can get advice and more information through the centralised booking service (01872 252211) and online . You can also call the national NHS helpline on 0300 330 1343
Saving money on prescriptions, dental treatment, sight tests and other things
The cost of prescriptions can add up quickly, especially if you need medication regularly. But there are ways to make it more affordable:
- If you need lots of prescriptions, a Prescription Prepayment Certificate (PPC) could save you money by letting you pay a set amount for three or 12 months.
Some people get help to pay for:
- NHS prescriptions
- NHS dental treatment
- sight tests, glasses and contact lenses
- travel to receive NHS treatment
- NHS wigs and fabric supports
You may get help because of your age, the health conditions you have, if you are a veteran, are pregnant or have recently had a baby or if you get some benefits.
You can check whether you can claim help and apply online or you can fill in an HC1 form which are available at Jobcentres, NHS hospitals, or by calling 0300 123 0849).
Help to get home from hospital
One off Personal Health Budget
Some people are eligible for financial support to help pay for services to help them home. The ward staff can give information on a one-off Personal Health Budget.
The Community Gateway Service
This is run by Age UK and is free to call or email. To support your discharge from hospital, trained staff can tell you about local activities, transport to the supermarket or help with shopping
Just one week in hospital can cause a 10% decrease in muscle mass. Prolonged stays also increase a person’s risk of infections, pressure ulcers and falls. 01872 266383 welcome@kernowgateway.org.uk