Now second hospital will end rip-off charges for patients’ TV

EXTORTIONATE television charges are set to be abolished at a second Scottish hospital.

Plans to terminate a contract that forces patients at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness to pay up to £10 a day if they want to watch television and films are being considered by NHS Highland.

It will act when its current contract with service provider Hospedia expires in January, and plans to roll out wi-fi across its hospitals, allowing patients to access media through their own devices.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has come under fire for a ‘distinct lack of action’ to ensure ‘rip-off’ charges end.

Yesterday, NHS Highland confirmed its contract with Hospedia expires on January 17 next year. A spokesman said: ‘Discussions are ongoing between NHS Highland and Hospedia in order to manage the natural end to the contract. NHS Highland’s endowment committee will consider a proposal for a Highland-wide wi-fi service, which can include options for a TV service if required.’

The move comes after NHS Lothian last week announced it will abolish charges at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Currently, Raigmore Hospital patients pay £7.90 a day to access the basic TV package, or £9.90 a day for TV and movies. For three days, the charge is £19.90 for TV and £24.90 for TV and movies.

Officials are considering the best alternative, including the cost of introducing wi-fi across NHS Highland hospitals.

Edward Mountain, Scottish Conservative MSP for the Highlands and Islands, said: ‘I believe these charges are exploitative and it is important that patients no longer have to pay extortionate fees to enjoy television.’

A spokesman for Hospedia said: ‘If the contracts are terminated, it doesn’t save the NHS any money – because the service doesn’t cost them anything.

‘What it does mean, however, is that even if there is wi-fi available, there are a lot of people staying in hospital who don’t have the devices.’