Press release: Government statement on charges
17 Oct 2006
Commenting on the Government's response to the Health Select Committee report on charges, Nigel Edwards, Director of Policy at the NHS Confederation, said:
"We welcome the Government's announcement that they are to review the current arrangements for prescription charges and exemptions. 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.
"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.
"It is up to each individual NHS trust to draw up their own policy in relation to the use of mobile phones on their premises. Some trusts may implement total bans, whilst others will only ban mobile phones in certain areas. When drawing up their policy, trusts consider guidance on safety, as well as the potential noise disturbance caused by mobile phones in hospitals.
"Patients have the right to a peaceful environment and to be treated with dignity and respect at all times during their encounter with NHS services.
"In surveys, extra services such as bedside telephones and televisions prove extremely popular with patients who really value the service. However, as the Health Select Committee makes clear, it is important to make sure that the rates charged are reasonable."
"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."
ENDS
Notes for editors
The NHS Confederation represents more than 90% 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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