§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health in what situations patients on NHS treatment receive free from NHS hospitals(a) prescriptions including contact lenses and (b) use of equipment including nebulisers; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleContact lenses may be prescribed through the hospital eye service if the patient has a clinical need for them. Many patients are entitled to a hospital eye service voucher to cover the cost of lenses.
Where a consultant decides—taking account of resources, needs and clinical priorities locally—that a piece of equipment should be provided as part of the national health service treatment, it should be provided free of charge.