NHS charging

I met my patient in the day centre where I worked, Her visa had expired and she had no recourse to public funds. She was being charged for her medication/treatment upfront for breast cancer. I contacted the breast unit to explain the NHS charging policy re 'necessary and immediate care'. I also contacted the Overseas office who understood the 'necessary and immediate care' policy.

Despite sending evidence re charging and talking to the person n the breast care unit, they insisted that she should still pay upfront before treatment can be continued.

This delayed my patient getting treatment