Derry man raises concerns over impact of new prescription delivery charges on disabled, elderly

A Derry man has urged Health Minister Mike Nesbitt to intervene over the impact rising prescription medication delivery charges are having on disabled and vulnerable people.Marshall Blackthorn (33) from Templemore Crescent in Derry said he was shocked to receive a letter from his local pharmacy announcing that from this month it will cost £72 per annum per person to deliver prescriptions to, or £5 per day.Wheelchair user Mr Blackthorn said he feared what impact this will have on disabled and house-bound people, the elderly, those living with Alzheimer's or dementia and other people who do not have the option of visiting a chemist in person to collect their prescriptions.It is understood many chemists across the north which initially offered free delivery have been introducing fees over recent months, with some charging per year and others per delivery, or a combination of both.