DIABETES sufferers in Hampshire are in line for hard-won prescription charge refunds following a major Government U-turn.

Patients were forced to pay controversial £100 fines for failing to produce valid medical exemption certificates for their insulin and other drugs.

Now Diabetes UK has won its fight to outlaw the charges and win sufferers’ fines back.

It follows a long-running campaign to overturn charges which were initially imposed from September 2014.

The charity successfully argued the fines were unfair because warnings issued for the need for a medical exemption certificate had been poorly communicated.

They pointed out many people had previously claimed free prescription since being diagnosed without ever having to produce one.

Now health minister Dan Poulter has demanded the NHS Business Service Authority (BSA) writes to those hit, explaining how their charges can be cancelled or refunded.

Angela Whitmarsh, newly appointed chair of Southampton District Diabetes UK local group, welcomed the Government’s decision.

She said: “We are very pleased that they have listened. This will come as a huge relief to the thousands of people with diabetes across Southampton who need their medication to manage their condition and have in effect been penalised for having a serious lifelong health condition.”

It is the second victory for the group after the Government last month agreed to give people the chance to obtain an exemption certificate before charging them.

Now penalty charges will be cancelled when someone submits an application for a medical exemption certificate within 60 days of being contacted, or where it is confirmed that they have already been issued with an exemption certificate.

Where a penalty charge and any surcharge has already been paid, a payment equal to the amount of the penalty charge will be made but the cost of the prescription will not be refunded.

Charity chief executive Barbara Young said: “It is a victory for common sense and we are delighted that our campaign has led to a great result.

“We are grateful to Dan Poulter for taking this seriously and giving people with diabetes the solution they need.

“We now look forward to working with the NHS to improve communications to people with diabetes and healthcare professionals so the need for a valid medical exemption certificate is understood by everyone with the condition.”

Those aged 18 to 60 in England who use insulin or medicine to manage their diabetes are entitled to claim free prescriptions, but must apply for and present a valid medical exemption certificate.