Press release: NHS Confederation respond to Health Select Committee report on charges
18 Jul 2006
Responding to the Health Select Committee report on charges, the NHS Confederation has called for a national debate about how money is spent in the NHS, what patients can expect for free, and what can be charged for.
Dr Gill Morgan, chief executive of the NHS Confederation which represents over 90 per cent of NHS organisations, said:
"We agree with the Health Select Committee that the current system of charges for NHS patients is confusing and a major concern for both patients and their visitors.
"We need a national debate about how money is spent in the NHS, what patients can expect for free, and what can be charged for. The system must be transparent and understandable to everyone. In a world of rising expectations and rising costs, every penny spent is crucial.
"We welcome the committee's recommendation for a review of the costs and benefits of alternative systems of health charges. It is important to distinguish between services that are clinically necessary, and should be free, and extra services such as telephones and televisions on wards for which a charge will have to be made. Fees must never deter patients from accessing health care.
"The current system of prescription charging causes confusion and inequalities between patients - particularly for those with conditions that may not be exempt from charges such as asthma or chronic heart disease. We welcome the recommendation that the government undertakes an urgent review of all prescription charges and exemptions.
"In surveys, extra services such as bedside telephones and televisions prove extremely popular with patients who really value the service. However, as the report makes clear, it is important to make sure that the rates charged are reasonable.
"On car-parking, NHS hospitals often have a very limited supply of space and are unable to provide free parking for all patients. They can also fall prey to unscrupulous shoppers who take advantage of free parking in hospitals. This is why charges are used as a way of managing demand.
"NHS trusts have introduced initiatives to help patients with the cost of car parking. Many hospitals also have schemes for patients who are receiving ongoing treatment to ensure that they receive free or reduced rate car parking. Other trusts have set up park and ride schemes for staff which means more spaces are freed up for patients. It is important to understand that this is not about making a profit out of patients - it is about managing demand and covering the costs of maintaining a car park."
ENDS
Notes for editors
1. The NHS Confederation represents more than 90 per cent of the organisations that make up the NHS. Its members include the majority of NHS acute trusts, ambulance trusts, foundation trusts, mental health trusts, primary care trusts, special health authorities and strategic health authorities in England; trusts and local health boards in Wales; and health and social service trusts and boards in Northern Ireland.
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