Protesters stage London demo against plans for patient ID checks

Protesters stage London demo against plans for patient ID checks Critics fear checks will destroy relationship NHS staff have with patients and create climate of fear that stops people accessing care

Protesters gathered at St Thomas’ hospital in central London on Saturday to voice opposition to the introduction of ID checks at hospitals and up-front charges for patients not eligible for NHS care.

People from overseas are already liable for the cost of treatment, but new rules will require hospitals, community interest companies and charities receiving NHS funds to identify such patients before treatment in order to bill them. Continue reading... The Guardian