Absent patients face fines

Patients could be fined for missing appointments with their GPs, as part of a government attack on wastage in the NHS, it was revealed today.

Under the new proposals, people who call for ambulances needlessly could also be prosecuted, while doctors would have the right to refuse to treat violent patients.

The plans being drawn up by ministers follow the recent publication of a document, entitled Delivering the NHS Plan, by Health Secretary Alan Milburn in which he spelt out his determination to stop "unfair and inappropriate" use of health service resources.

It forms part of Tony Blair's continuing drive against street crime, truancy and the abuse of public servants, according to a report in The Sun.

Ministers fear that many patients take public services for granted, with an estimated 22 million missed visits to GPS a year.

A government spokesman said: "There is clearly a rights and responsibilities agenda.

"Every time someone misses an appointment it creates more delay in the system. It is only fair that, if patients are responsible, they should be made to pay. That will soon concentrate their minds."

It is is reported that the fines could come into effect in 2004, which is also when the Government hopes to meet its commitment to guarantee an appointment to see a GP within 48 hours.

New airline-style computerised booking services will allow patients to choose convenient days and times, ending most excuses for missed appointments.

The problem of people abusing ambulance services has been well documented, yet there is still no effective deterrent. About 46 per cent of callers do not need emergency treatment and 12 per cent have no injuries whatsoever

The Department of Health confirmed that Mr Milburn was working on ideas to improve the use of NHS resources, but said that reports of any specific proposals were "speculation".

A spokesman said: "While patients have the right to expect access to improving services, based on need and choice, people also have a responsibility to ensure that they use health services fairly and appropriately.

"As we improve the rights and experiences of patients, so we must do more to strengthen responsibility."