The NPA has called for the abolition of prescription charges in England, warning they add to pharmacists' workload without helping patients.

The call came as Scotland abolished prescription charges, joining Northern Ireland and Wales in offering prescriptions free to all, while in England the charge rose to £7.40 per item.

The rise in cost in England was disappointing as charges deterred patients - especially those on low incomes - from getting medicines, said NPA head of pharmacy Nanette Kerr.

"From a pharmacist's point of view, processing prescription levies is part of the job that adds workload but no patient benefit," Ms Kerr said.

"Pharmacists, like other health care professionals, experience great pressures on their time and any release of time could be used to enhance patient care," she added.