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Private A&E welcomed as extension of patient choice: fee-charging emergency centre in London could pave way for others across the UK.(news)
- Article from:
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Nursing Standard
- Article date:
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August 27, 2003
- Author:
- Harrison, Sarah
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Copyright informationCOPYRIGHT 2003 Royal College of Nursing Publishing Company. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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PRIVATE A&E centres that charge patients for immediate care will increase patient choice and relieve pressure on NHS services, according to the RCN.
Patients at Casualty Plus, due to open in Brentford, London, in October, will be charged a flat fee of 29 [pounds sterling]. Additional treatments, including blood tests and X-rays, will cost extra.
RCN adviser in nursing practice Rosie Wilkinson said: 'It is all about patient choice. If people want to spend their money on that, then who is to say they shouldn't?
'The reality is that people would not need to explore these choices if there were no waits in A&E. If this venture means pressure is relieved on A&E ...