It’s time to #ReviewTheList: our campaign for free prescriptions for everyone with CF

Since January 2022, Cystic Fibrosis Trust has dialed up the pressure on the UK Government and called for people with cystic fibrosis to receive their essential medicines without having to pay prescription charges.

We are campaigning for a review of the prescription charge exemption list, which is extremely out of date and doesn't take account of the vast amount of medication people with cystic fibrosis, who are living long into adulthood thanks to advances in treatment, must take to stay well. The list was drawn up in 1968, when CF was a very different condition and those with it were not expected to reach adulthood.

A report from University of Bristol found that the average additional cost of living with CF is £6,500 a year, and with many struggling with the cost of living it is vital that the Government act now and urgently review the list.

Through debates in Westminster Hall, questions in the Houses of Parliament, social media activity and taking the message directly to 10 Downing Street, the Trust has stood with the cystic fibrosis community to ensure your voices are heard by decision-makers. You can find out more about our free prescriptions campaign here.

In March this year, the Trust handed in over 1,300 letters from people affected by cystic fibrosis to the Prime Minister. Last week, we launched our social media action asking you to share our video with the House of Commons Health & Social Care Committee. This follows a CF community petition hand-in by Nick Smith, whose daughter has CF. Nick took 15,000 signatures to Number 10 on 9 September.

What you can do to support the campaign

Join us and support the campaign this autumn by sharing our video and tagging the committee. Your involvement really helps to make a difference and the more people who can take part, the louder our voice will be.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects around 11,000 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives - and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.