PATIENTS, and trade unions have all strongly rejected South Warwickshire Clinical Commissioning Group’s (CCG) suggestion that NHS patients should pay for their own walking sticks, neck braces and crutches.
The CCG suggested to its patient and public participation group last week: ‘Would it be reasonable to ask people to contribute to the cost of orthotics, aids and appliances?
‘If so, which items and how could we agree this? If so, what criteria should be applied, e.g. low-cost items below a specified threshold?’
The meeting was then presented with a list of 15 items that could be charged for.
1: ankle foot orthoses, i.e. foot drop splints; wrist splints; trusses, e.g. for hernias
2. spinal supports
3. knee braces
4. hip braces
5.lumbar/sacral/abdominal supports
6. spinal support, e.g. for fractures; cervical – collars
7. helmets
8. toilet aids & equipment
9. perching stools
10. walking sticks
11. crutches
12. frames
13 sticks
14. grab handles
15. bath seats.
Those present at the meeting said the proposal was given an extremely hostile reception.
BMA member Anna Athow told News Line: ‘It is outrageous. Patients do not voluntarily break their legs or hurt their spine. These pieces of equipment are essential for increasing mobility and getting better, they must be free at the point of use. This is crossing a red line and must be 100% opposed.’
Barrie Brown, Unite National officer for Health: ‘Quite clearly this goes against all the founding principles from 1948.
‘Our union and unions across the board would strongly oppose any charges in the NHS.’
Rehana Azam GMB National Officer for NHS: ‘If the announcement about the potential £10 levy charge to use the NHS was not enough we now have the local CCG seriously exploring charging patients for orthotics needs.
‘The GMB signed up to Nye Bevan’s principle that the NHS must be free at the point of use and accessible to all.’
