Labour MSP Rhoda Grant calls for clarity over patient travel scheme
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Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant has urged the Scottish Government to stop “dragging its feet” over possible changes to a scheme that allows patients to claim travel expenses for trips to hospital.
She warned that those who have appointments in Inverness face "shocking" hotel prices in the Highland capital as well as high petrol prices.
Mrs Grant was informed that the NHS Patient Travel Reimbursement Scheme was going to be reviewed, but that the process had been delayed because of the pandemic.
She says there is no indication of when the review will begin and has submitted a parliamentary written question in a bid to gain clarity on the timescale.
The Labour MSP said: “In a cost-of-living crisis, I fear that patients in need of healthcare will not be able to afford the travel expenses at the current out-of-date rate.
"Hotel prices in Inverness at this time of year are shocking and petrol prices are through the roof. The elderly, working poor and those on benefits will be sacrificing their health to keep costs down – which is heartbreaking.
“Services have been centralised to Inverness and elsewhere but the Scottish Government has been dragging its feet when it comes to this review. It desperately needs to become a priority.”
The Scottish Government sets overall guidance on patient travel reimbursement. However, disbursements are made by health boards in accordance with their own eligibility policies.
