Patients will be able to pay privately for medicines while still receiving NHS care, ministers confirmed

The widely-trailed new package of measures, which overturns the ban on patients paying for drugs while accessing NHS care, is designed to clearly separate private care from that provided by the NHS.

Alzheimer's Society comment on top-ups (co-payments) for people with dementia.

'Alzheimer's Society maintains that drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's should be available on the NHS for all people who might benefit. However, NICE guidance currently restricts access to the only drugs available for people with Alzheimer's disease, which could result in people privately funding treatment.

Today is a welcome first step towards clearing up the confusion and fear that exists around top-ups and we look forward to a more transparent and fair system for everyone. 

However, recommendations to adopt a more flexible approach when evaluating treatments should not be limited to people with rare short-term conditions. Recommendations must be widened out to include treatments for people living with dementia.'

Neil Hunt
Chief Executive
Alzheimer's Society