Doug Naysmith, MP for Bristol North West, is co-sponsoring a 10 Minute Rule Bill to make those suffering from complex congenital heart disorders exempt from paying prescription charges.

The Bill, introduced today by Ivan Henderson MP, would mean that those who suffer from such a condition in childhood and who achieve adulthood will not have to pay prescription charges for the drugs they need to keep them alive.

Doug Naysmith says, “There are several anomalies to do with who gets free prescriptions for long-standing conditions and I have raised the matter with Ministers and in the Health Select Committee.  I am pleased to support this bill which could help one group of people who currently have to pay for their prescriptions.  Those with a complex congenital heart disorder face many difficulties that we are spared and I believe that they deserve our support.”

The Bill is receiving backing from MPs of all political persuasions.  The charity GUCH (Grown Up Congenital Heart Patients Association) is extremely pleased with the response.

“GUCH contacted me to ensure that I was aware of this Bill and to seek my support,” continued Dr Naysmith.  “I was happy to confirm that I am backing the Bill on behalf of my constituents who suffer from complex congenital heart disorders.  I shall also continue to press for people with other long-term conditions, such as sickle cell anaemia, to be freed from prescription charges too.”