29.08.13
Health tourism charges ‘administrative nightmare’ – RCM
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has added its criticism to the Government’s proposals to increase charges for migrants using the NHS. Yesterday the British Medical Association warned such a move could cause unintended damage to the health service.
The Department of Health is currently consulting on charges for patients from outside of Europe, which could cost at least £200 a year, and extending fees to GP appointments. A spokesperson said: “we must all work together to protect the NHS from costly abuse”.
The RCM warned that “the proposals are not backed by evidence, [could] create serious risks for the health and wellbeing of everyone in the UK, and create an administrative nightmare for NHS hospitals”.
Jon Skewes, director for policy, employment relations and communications at the RCM, said: “We know that many pregnant women are reluctant to attend appointments and on occasion have been turned away from hospitals because of problems with the current charging system.
“Sadly, this has led to some undesirable consequences for mothers and babies. I fear that these proposals will lead to more negative health outcomes for pregnant women, especially if charges are introduced for primary care. The NHS should never close its doors to pregnant women in need of professional care.
“Any proposals that require the NHS to administer a system of charging will distract clinicians from their primary responsibilities and create risks for pregnant women. A midwife’s primary responsibility is to the mother and baby regardless of their social and economic background and every mother and baby needs and deserves good maternity care.”
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