GIDLEY CALLS FOR GORDON BROWN TO KEEP HIS PRESCRIPTION CHARGE PROMISE

11.00.00am GMT Tue 26th Jan 2010

Local MP and Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Minister Sandra Gidley has again called attention to a campaign urging Gordon Brown to keep a promise he made over a year ago, to abolish prescription charges for people with long-term conditions in England.

Sandra, a long standing supporter of the 'Prescription Promise' campaign and the only qualified pharmacist in Parliament, has signed up to a new Parliamentary motion, calling on Ministers to publish their review of prescription charges as soon as possible and set a clear timetable for the implementation of Gordon Brown's promise.

The 'Prescription Promise' campaign is led by a coalition of twenty health charities, who represent the voices of millions of people with long-term conditions.

Speaking today, Sandra said:

"I'm deeply concerned about the many people locally, with long-term conditions who may be choosing to go without vital medicines as a result of the recession and the rising costs of fuel and other bills.

"Gordon Brown was right to promise free prescriptions for people with long-term conditions, but is taking far too long to act on the issue. He must now follow through on this promise as soon as possible."

Members of the public who would like to sign the 'Prescription Promise' campaign's petition can do so at prescriptionpromise.org.

ENDS