14.09.10
Charge for NHS services, says professor
In a highly controversial move, a professor from the University of Stirling has suggested that the NHS in Scotland should charge patients to a see a doctor and to stay over night in hospitals.
The proposals mirror the Swedish healthcare system.
Professor David Bell said: “While Sweden’s public services are usually thought of as exemplars of universal provision, it is not generally known that the provision of services is more competitive than in Scotland and that, for example, user charges provide around three per cent of the health budget.
Thus hotel charges for hospital stays and other charges in Sweden provide what would be the equivalent of £300million to the health budget.”
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]