asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has to change the present regulations which provide for the payment of £10 per day hospital charges up to a maximum of £100; whether these charges can be repeated where a patient having been charged £100 in one hospital can be charged a further £100 if that patient attends or is transferred to a different hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Hospital Charges.
85.
I have no plans at present to amend the Hospital In-Patient or Out-Patient Charges Regulations.
Under the Hospital (In-Patient Charges) Regulations the maximum amount payable in a period of twelve consecutive months is £100. Accordingly, under the regulations a person is not liable for a charge in excess of £100 within the relevant period regardless of the number of location of hospital admissions, the length of stay of such admissions or where an inter-hospital transfer of a patient takes place.
Health boards and voluntary hospitals have been fully informed by my Department of the provisions of the regulations. My Department continues to be available, where necessary, to provide advice in relation to the correct interpretation and application of the provisions of the regulations.