Foulkes Brands NHS Charges "Ridiculous"
Tue 1st Sep 2009
George recently branded the charges faced by patients of the ERI in Edinburgh “absolutely ridiculous” following a Freedom of Information Request which led to the revelations. Patients in the ERI, whatever illness they are suffering from, and however long they are there, are expected to pay 10p per minute to land lines along side a 10p connection charge, and furthermore, friends or relatives have to pay up to 49p per minute to call them. But it’s not just phones, as watching TV has never been more expensive, with charges of £10 for 5 days of viewing and £2.90 for 24 hours. George said, “I find this set up completely unacceptable, and above all, ridiculous. The NHS sets an example within our society and to the wider world of how income shouldn’t affect your standard of care, but then some company come in and start ripping people off Calling your dying partner or loved one who happens to be in hospital is as much as calling some one in Canada, and it’s completely unfair. “When you think of the cost of health care, especially operations and expensive drugs, turning on a TV that is already built above your bed is hardly an added cost.Some one being ill is more than a financial cost, but it can be a big one, and this is a kick in the teeth to those who need nothing other than support and care. “I don’t know how any one can justify this.” George will be raising questions about charges in due course, and will be reporting back to constituents, especially those who have written to him recently in disgust.
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