Man refused NHS prescription because he's going on holiday

A 73-year-old man from Essex was told by his GP that the NHS would not be able to provide him with tablets he needs for muscle tension while he is on holiday.

Chris Stone says he was made to feel like a "sponger" when he was refused the muscle relaxants, which he has been taking for the past 30 years.

Mr Stone needed the medication for his annual seven-week trip to Cyprus, the Essex Chronicle reports.

Speaking to the newspaper, he said: "It's the principle. I feel like I've been made out to be a sponger, I live in the UK and I pay my taxes here.

"I accept that some people out there may bend the rules but that's not me."

The NHS website says: "If you need regular medication for a stable long-term health condition, your GP can prescribe a maximum supply of three months.

"If you're taking a course of medication that will finish during your holiday, then get advice from your GP. They may be able to give you a repeat prescription."

It continues: "If you're going abroad for more than three months, your GP may prescribe medication to last until you can make arrangements to get it at your destination."

Mr Stone told the Essex Chronicle: "I can afford to buy when I'm out there because my medication is very cheap – but some people may have a number of different tablets and more expensive medication that they can't afford."

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