Extra Fees Are Excessive, Say PatientPower

In response to what many view as excessive fees for bedside TV and phone calls in UK hospitals, PatientPower is launching a number of protests. Despite the fact that some critics view the £7.50 per day as far from excessive, others feel that the outrage concerns not only the fee itself, but also the principle behind it.

Hospedia, formerly known as Patientline, recently raised prices for the service in their Bournemouth and Poole hospitals. The service includes TV, games, radio and movies, along with the occasional phone call.

According to PatientPower, over-65s will suffer discrimination as a result, as they occupy the majority of hospital beds and depend most on the services.

The chairman of Age UK in Poole, Dennis Blackler, is also against the extra fee. The campaign is also backed by other associations, such as Macmillan Cancer Support and the Patients’ Association.

The chief executive of Patients' Association, also noted that it’s not only bedside services prices that add to the ultimate fee patients must pay for their hospital stay. Other fee inflaters include car parking and shop prices. These generally result from a lack of competition, as reiterated by Mr Blackler.

In its defence, Hospedia said that TV was available from £1.50 per day for long stays. The £7.50, in turn, included a premium package with unlimited TV, phone calls, internet, games and films.

They also reported survey results indicating that 80 per cent of customers considered the services as value for money.

Another common response to the complaint is that the service is optional, and patients who do not wish to use it are not liable for the costs. Some wards also provide for the use of mobile phones.

The Daily Echo article also included many responses from readers, indicating the divergent opinions on the topic. The debate is likely to continue.

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