Update: Sky News are reporting that Rishi Sunak has u-turned on this proposed policy. They have quoted a No. 10 spokesperson saying "now is not the timer to take this policy forward".
Rishi Sunak plans to give out £10 fines to people for every NHS appointment they miss.
Mr. Sunak mentioned the idea during his bid for the Conservative party leadership during the summer and this week a No. 10 spokeswoman said Mr. Sunak “stands by the sentiment and is definitely committed to ensuring that we get the best value for taxpayers, the best value for money out of the NHS”.
They said that before the scheme could become official government policy prime minister Sunak would discuss it with Health Secretary Steve Barclay, MP. However, The British Medical Association (BMA), believes that the idea would only impact the poorest, according to the Telegraph.
Under the proposed scheme, patients would not be fined for missing their first NHS appointment but any missed NHS consultations thereafter would result in a £10 fine. According to NHS England 15m GP appointments are missed in England every year. NHS England also states that there are around 307 million sessions scheduled with GPs, nurses, therapists and other practice staff every year and that one in twenty are missed without enough notice to invite other patients.
However, The British Medical Association (BMA), which is the trade union for doctors, condemned the policy when it was first put forward by Mr. Sunak earlier this year. The BMA said “financially penalising patients inevitably impacts the poorest” and said it could “discourage” sick people from rebooking any appointments they miss.
Chairman of the BMA, Philip Banfield, said the plan would “ultimately threaten the fundamental principle that the NHS delivers free care at the point of need for all”.
Mr. Bradfield added: “The BMA has always stood firmly against the idea of charging patients for missed appointments. While it is frustrating when patients do not attend, the reasons why this happens should be investigated rather than simply resorting to punishing them.”
“Mr. Bradfield continued: “Financially penalising patients inevitably impacts the poorest and most vulnerable in the community. This may discourage them from rebooking, exacerbating already worsening health inequalities and costing the NHS more.”
What do you think? Does this negatively impact the most vulnerable? Or do you think it will stop doctors' valuable time from being wasted? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
