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Entitlement Cards are designed for use by patients living in Scotland but registered with a GP practice in England.
How will the Entitlement Card work?
How can patients get an Entitlement Card?
Will patients have to apply for an Entitlement Card annually?
What happens if I register with a GP in Scotland or no longer live in Scotland?
An Entitlement Card is a card which confirms that the patient is entitled to receive prescriptions free of charge in Scotland. It will be issued on application, free of charge, to patients who live in Scotland but who are registered with a local GP practice in England. The Entitlement Card is valid for 5 years and will serve as evidence that the holder is entitled to free prescriptions.
How will the Entitlement Card work?
The Entitlement Card can be used at Scottish pharmacies as proof that a patient presenting an English prescription form is entitled to have their prescription dispensed free of charge.
The Entitlement Card must be produced together with the English prescription form every time the holder or the holder’s representative presents a prescription for dispensing at a community pharmacy in Scotland.
The personal details and address on the Entitlement Card must match the information on the prescription. If there is any difference, the Entitlement Card cannot be used and the English prescription charge will be payable.
There is no provision for refunds where an Entitlement Card holder has paid the English prescription charge.
Changes in personal circumstances should be notified to PSD as soon as possible.
How can patients get an Entitlement Card?
Application forms can be obtained from your local GP practice or alternatively contact Practitioner Services for the relevant area that you live within Scotland as shown below.
If you live in the Borders NHS Board area please contact the Edinburgh Regional Office and clearly mark your envelope 'Entitlement Card Application'.
If you live in Dumfries & Galloway NHS Board area please contact the Glasgow Regional Office and clearly mark your envelope 'Entitlement Card Application'.
Your local GP practice in England is required to stamp the application form prior to the eligible patient sending it to the relevant address above.
On receipt of the completed application, Practitioner Services will issue an Entitlement Card. There is no charge for an Entitlement Card.
Will patients have to apply for an Entitlement Card annually?
No. The Entitlement Card will be valid for 5 years, unless the holder is nearing 60. In that case, the Entitlement Card will expire on the patient's 60th birthday.
Will patients who live in Scotland but are registered with a GP practice in England benefit from the abolition of charges?
Yes, but only if they present their prescription for dispensing in Scotland together with their Entitlement Card. The name and address on the card must match those on the English prescription form (FP10). If a patient presents a prescription for dispensing at a pharmacy in England they will be required to pay the English charge unless they fall within one of the exemption categories listed in the equivalent English Regulations.
What happens if I register with a GP in Scotland or no longer live in Scotland?
Where a person named on an Entitlement Card registers with a GP practice in Scotland, or is no longer ordinarily and legally resident in Scotland, that person or the person's representative must inform Practitioner Services and return the Entitlement Card to Practitioner Services.
Please return you Entitlement Card to the relevant regional office as described below:
If you live within the Borders NHS Board area, send your Entitlement Card back to the Edinburgh Regional Office and clearly marked on the envelope 'Entitlement Card'.
If you live within the Dumfries & Galloway NHS Board area, send your Entitlement card back to the Glasgow Regional Office and clearly marked on the envelope 'Entitlement Card'.