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File on 4: NHS: Pricing Patients

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NHS: Pricing Patients

02/07/2013

BBC Radio 4 - File on 4, NHS: Pricing Patients

With attention on A&E, is there a bigger problem in the way hospitals are funded?

The crisis in A&E has moved hospitals back up the political agenda. But Allan Urry asks if the real problem lies in the way they are paid for the care they are supposed to provide.

NHS hospitals in England are back in the spotlight with a crisis in A&E and a growing number of cancelled operations. But does the real problem lie in the way the Government is currently funding them?
The Department of Health uses a system called Payment by Results to try to ensure better patient care is delivered more efficiently. However Allan Urry hears from hospitals which say they're being treated unfairly and losing millions because of perverse tariffs which short-change them. Critics say the payments system is no longer fit for purpose.
So how deep is the financial crisis facing our hospitals? Could budget cuts and the rising costs of admissions push some of them over the edge?



PRODUCER: EMMA FORDE
EDITOR: DAVID ROSS.

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