North London Cancer Network

The NHS information centre has published statistics on prescriptions dispensed in the community from 1997-2007
Findings of interest include:

• There were, on average, 15.6 prescription items dispensed per head of population compared to 14.8 in 2006 and 10.3 in 1997

• The elderly (60 and over) received 42.4 items per head in 2007 compared to 22.3 in 1997

• 88.6 per cent of all prescription items dispensed were free to patients

• The average net ingredient cost per prescription item was £10.51; a decreased of 3.5 per cent or 6.3 per cent in real terms on 2006. The net ingredient cost per item in 1997 was £8.73

Further information