Stephen has warned Barts Health NHS Trust that charging pregnant women for maternity care could be prove “disastrous”.
The Trust has faced criticism for charging 739 women, when 290 of them were actually entitled to free care. In a letter to Barts’ Chief Executive, Alwen Williams, Stephen wrote: “…The prospect of a thumping bill will certainly discourage people from receiving treatment! The consequences can be potentially disastrous.” He also described the impact on a family with a “modest” income after receiving a £10,000 bill as “devastating”.
Of the 739 women billed in 2018-19, 456 received care at Newham University Hospital. However, it later emerged that 290 of them should not have been charged. The figures were revealed after campaigners from Newham Save our NHS asked board chiefs at Barts for the totals.
The government requires NHS trusts charge patients who do not have leave to remain in the UK. In his letter, Stephen notes that in many of the cases he sees, the Home Office appears “mistaken” in denying leave to remain.
A Barts Health NHS Trust spokeswoman said it would answer his questions “as soon as we can”.