Patients forced to ‘ dig deep’ for care
MSP slams ‘ two tier’ system
Patients are being forced down an agonising road of private healthcare, an MSP has claimed.
Colin Smyth says current Covid rules restricting NHS procedures are making people pay through the nose for treatment elsewhere.
And the South Scotland politician has labelled the “two tier” system as “deeply unfair”.
NHS dentists are among those not allowed to carry out certain treatments such as routine filling, crown and root canal procedures.
GPs and District Nurses are also unable to provide a simple ear syringing procedure.
However, you can easily receive those same treatments – if you dig deep into your pockets and ‘ go private.’
Labour MSP, Mr Smyth, reckons the current rules undermine the whole concept of free healthcare for the public.
Now he’s written to Health Secretary Jeane Freeman demanding answers over the current ban on some NHS treatments.
He said: “During the height of the Covid- 19 lockdown, it was correct that many NHS treatments and surgeries were cancelled to try and halt the progress of this terrible virus.
“As lockdown has started to lift, some of these procedures have been restarted, where safely possible.
“However, while the Scottish Government deem it unsafe for some treatments to restart on the NHS, they are quite happy for them to be provided privately.
“How can treatment be safe privately but not on the NHS?
“It is grossly unfair that it is only those who can afford to pay who can be treated for conditions which, while not life threatening, can have a serious impact on the individual’s daily life.”
He added: “I have been contacted by a large number of constituents incensed that they were refused treatment on the NHS
because of Government rules but told if they are willing to pay, they can receive the treatment privately.
“In allowing this to happen, the Scottish Government is creating a two- tiered health care system which completely undermines the principles of our NHS.
“I have written to the Health Secretary to demand answers for the many people who are suffering and yet who cannot afford to pay for treatments which should still be free.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We have been increasing the range of dental treatments available with each phase of remobilisation of NHS dental services.”
The spokesperson also said a recent letter to private healthcare providers highlighted the importance of the entire independent healthcare sector, including independent dentists, “following the spirit” of the route map and supporting key public health messages.
The spokesperson added: “For the majority of people routine ear syringing is not clinically indicated, and in some cases may actually do more harm than good. Free advice is available online at NHS inform.”