Waiting times at record high
A LOT has been reported about the new TV Licence scheme for over 75s so I wanted to ensure readers were aware of the facts and support measures TV Licensing has put in place for our older customers.
TV Licensing are writing to all over 75s and people do not need to do anything until they receive this letter. No one needs to leave their home to set up a free licence or to pay for one, and TV Licensing will not be visiting households who previously held a free licence during this period.
We have an additional 800 specially trained customer service staff in place to help support older people safely through the new process; they will not be making visits as some reports have suggested.
If you now need to pay for a licence our 75+ Plan can help customers moving from a free TV Licence to a licence that they pay for, and customers can make equal weekly, fortnightly or monthly instalments, without the need for upfront payments. Details of how to sign up are in the letter going to all over 75s households.
We have also launched a free telephone line with recorded information on the new policy. Customers can access this service by calling 0800 232 1382.
Pipa Doubtfire TV Licensing
THE latest NHS performance statistics include the worst-ever waits across a number of performance areas, including consultant-referred treatment,
This latest set of NHS performance stats are deeply concerning and paint a very bleak picture for the future delivery of patient care if urgent intervention is not forthcoming.
This is despite doctors and NHS staff working tirelessly around the clock to deliver care in increasingly challenging circumstances.
Worryingly, we are seeing record lows across the board. With the time taken to receive consultantreferred treatment now the longest on record, and with only half of patients receiving treatment within 18 weeks of being referred – the lowest on record – a daunting and huge challenge lies ahead to resume normal levels of care.
Patients will understandably be very anxious to be able to access the care they need and, with the number of people waiting over a year for treatment the highest it has been in a decade – over 46 times as many as last June – there are real concerns that many patients’ conditions will worsen while they wait.
We know that doctors are extremely worried about the prospect of being able to manage demand as normal care resumes alongside the very real threat of a second wave as we approach the winter months ahead.
The Government needs to have a clear twin-track strategy to ensure that we can get through the backlog of care – with a focus on treating those most in need as a priority – along with managing Covid-19 patients and being ready for a possible second wave and flu season ahead.
It is therefore crucial that there are adequate resources available to ensure that we can resume the normal delivery of care for as many patients as possible, as a matter of urgency, without stretching staff beyond capacity to achieve this.
The Government must also learn from the mistakes of the past and ensure that the health service is ready and equipped – including ensuring adequate PPE for NHS staff – so it is fully prepared in the event of a second wave.
Dr Chaand Nagpaul BMA council chair