Ministers refusing to let go of NHS fines regime
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- Published: Tuesday, 17 September 2019 07:43
- Written by News Editor
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The BDA has expressed grave concerns that the DHSC is backtracking on pledges to break with its discredited policy of automatically fining patients accused of ‘misclaiming’ free NHS dental care. Charlotte Waite, Chair of the BDA’s England Community Dental Services Committee said: "Vulnerable patients will keep turning away from check-ups as long as Ministers refuse to let go of their failed fines policy.”
The latest figures from NHS Digital shows this heavy-handed approach is continuing to fuel a collapse in attendance among vulnerable and low-income groups. NHS Dental Statistics show a fall of 2.2 million treatments delivered to patients exempt from NHS charges since 2013/14 – falling by a quarter (25%) in 5 years, and a drop of over 200,000 since 2017/18. Over 8.8 million free courses of treatment were provided in 2013/14 compared to 6,6 million in 2018/19.
Dentists have led calls for reform of the system which has seen nearly 400,000 patients a year, including those with learning disabilities, receive £100 fines, some for simply ticking the wrong box on a form. The government has overseen a tenfold increase in fines issued since 2013/14, and has been criticised by MPs for running campaigns effectively discouraging patients from making claims.
Charlotte Waite, Chair of the BDA’s England Community Dental Services Committee said: "Vulnerable patients will keep turning away from check-ups as long as Ministers refuse to let go of their failed fines policy. Reform cannot mean sticking with practices MPs have condemned for ‘putting the frighteners’ on NHS patients. People will keep falling foul of a system that offers confusion, but won’t give an inch if you make an honest mistake.
"Sadly the adults and children failing to attend are precisely those who could benefit most. Ministers should be rolling out the red carpet for these patients, not providing reasons to bottle up oral health problems. If this government is really serious about prevention, it’s time to change gear."
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