PATIENTS who cannot afford private healthcare will be left waiting for help behind people who can afford it, claims a leading director for the Royal College of Nursing.
Bolton-based Steve Flanagan, regional director for the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), is calling for the controversial Health and Social Care Bill to be halted to protect standards and patient care.
Foundation hospitals will be able to raise 49 per cent of funds through private, non-NHS work if Government plans are passed in parliament.
There is currently a limit of around two per cent for private income at most foundation trusts.
Mr Flanagan said the RCNopposed the bill. “We’re not opposed to change, but we nowfeel that the scale, speed and design of these reforms is fundamentally damaging to the principle of a health service which is free at the point of use.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article