"The HC1 form has saved my life at University"

Sheffield Hallam University final year student Lucy Powell, 22, completed the HC1 form and was a successful applicant. Lucy was on the contraceptive pill called Yasmin. What seemed like a common method for many females to use in order to practice safe sex turned out to be life threatening for Lucy. In November of 2016 Lucy developed a violent cough that was producing large amounts of mucus, and soon after that blood.

The NHS offers the scheme for those in the low-income bracket, and many students fall into this bracket without knowing. After filling in a HC1 form, if accepted you receive a HC2 certificate, which offers financial help when paying for prescription, dental, fabric and wig treatment and eye tests alongside travel to and from NHS provided treatment.

Doctors initially decided a chest infection was the cause of the cough, but after no signs of improvement following medication, Lucy began developing more severe symptoms such as shortness of breath and faintness. Doctors then thought that bronchitis or pneumonia could be the cause, but after further tests it was discovered Lucy had developed blood clots in her lungs from the contraceptive pill affecting the thickness of her blood.

Many students are unaware that this scheme exists, and are spending money unnecessarily.  The average cost of a prescription is £8.60, and if on a repeat prescription, this can be very costly. Alongside this, a trip to the dentist can cost between £20-£27.50.

She said: “They decided to get me in for an x-ray, and luckily the nurse decided to check my blood, but my blood oxygen levels were dangerously low in the low 80’s, whereas the normal levels and in the mid 90’s. They called an ambulance instantly and got me straight off to the Hallamshire Hospital.

The scheme helps me so much, it makes it such a difference, prescriptions are expensive and they’re even harder to afford when you’re on a student budget.”

Lucy was in hospital for three weeks, and was hooked up to an oxygen tank to ensure she was breathing correctly. 

With the HC1 form, Lucy was given financial support to help with the cost of medication that she needs for the rest of her life, Apixaban. Lucy doesn’t have to pay for her prescriptions and transport is arranged for her when she is travelling to and from consultancies provided by the NHS.

All information for the HC1 form is available here.