UKIP wants to charge NHS patients to skip waiting times

Public Services

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has endorsed an article by the party's health spokesperson which calls for people to be allowed to pay to skip A&E waiting times.

UKIP leader Nigel Farage has endorsed an article by the party’s health spokesperson which calls for people to be allowed to pay to skip A&E waiting times.

Last week Farage tweeted an article by John Stanley, a surgeon and UKIP candidate, referring to Stanley as a “UKIP health spokesman”.

In the article Stanley argues that people requiring urgent treatment should be seen within two hours, whereas those requiring non-urgent treatment should be given the option of paying to avoid waiting.

“We should accept that if a triaging clinician feels we don’t need treating within two hours required for standard cases then we be either willing to pay or willing to wait longer so cases most deserving are treated best. People should pay a higher charge if they haven’t registered with a GP as being directed back to primary care avoids unnecessary A&E visits.”

Stanley added that under UKIP people who qualify for free prescriptions would be exempt from the flat fee – but only if they haven’t been drinking.

“The same exceptions as for the prescription charge could apply unless the patient was drunk and disorderly or incapable.”

Drunk and incapable? Sounds like one of Farage’s MEPs.

In summary, among other things UKIP would:

  • Scrap NHS 111

  • Charge those requiring A&E treatment who don’t need treating within two hours

  • Allow mutual providers, including GPs, to charge a flat fee to see non-emergency cases

  • Ensure people can pay upfront fees off over a period of time when registered with a GP

  • Refuse to discount fees for drunk patients.

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39 Responses to “UKIP wants to charge NHS patients to skip waiting times”

  1. Neville

    What an utter rich mans NHS we would have under UKIP. Once you introduce charges that will mean the poor won’t be able to afford care and obviously privatisation will be on the way. When will be wise up and realise what a mean nasty party UKIP are. Their flat rate tax is just one other example. The rich paying a lot less and every one else paying more. Enough said.

  2. redteddy

    Charging would smash the whole ethos of the NHS. That is free at the point of use.

  3. Jess

    I believe they are referring to someone already with cancer who has emergency issues – severe pain and breathing difficulties etc. I know from experience every weekend can bring on a new emergency with cancer.

  4. Brigita

    There are also other non-musculoskeletal problems hat can occur with the foot, such as corns, cuts, toe infections etc which just needs you to look after your feet! pilnapadystes pozymiai

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