The Belfast Trust has apologised to patients after a charge was introduced in its hospital ATMs, saying the decision was beyond its control.
From Monday, July 4, the ATM machines at its hospital sites will now have a £1 charge on all transactions, leading to concerns that the most vulnerable patients could be affected.
The decision to introduce the charges was made by a private company contracted by the Belfast Trust and it has said that it had no control over this.
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Paula Bradshaw MLA, Alliance Party Health Spokesperson said: “Most people visiting hospitals are already in an extremely stressful or even vulnerable position. When people need to access ATMs it may well be in an emergency and in a time of distress. They certainly should not be treated as a captive audience.
"I would urge the Trust to continue to engage with the provider to ensure that these ATMs are free as a matter of urgency."
The Trust has said that it has recently introduced contactless card payment systems across its sites in canteens, vending machines and shops which can be used as an alternative option than an ATM.
A Belfast Trust spokesperson said: “Belfast Trust apologises to our patients, staff and visitors for the introduction of charges at ATMs on our sites.
"These ATMs are contracted to a private company who have introduced the £1 charge on all transactions from 4 July 2022, a decision over which the Trust has no control.
"Recently we introduced card and contactless payment systems in all of our canteens, vending machines, shops and car parks as an alternative payment option."
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