Hidden charges of being in hospital
- 6 October 2014 16:11273012I've been out of the loop recently due to being in hospital and I'm now embarking on a long recovery at home.
My stay in hospital highlighted a couple of important issues -
I needed a blood transfusion and because I am a rare type, my blood arrived the following morning from Manchester. I am extremely grateful to the donor. I gave blood for as long as I could and all I can say is that if you are able to, please consider it, it's so important. http://www.blood.co.uk/index.aspx
Something I hadn't bargained for during my stay was the hidden charges of being in hospital - first up was the extortionate parking fees, my husband paid £11 per day to visit me. The choice of hospital food was limited so if there was nothing on the menu I could eat (and that happened at least 3 days a week) I had to buy something from the café along with hot drinks which we often didn't receive with the main meals. Food prices were on a par with motorway service stations, a small chicken curry with rice was £7; jacket potato with one filling was £6 plus £1 for a small pot of cheese (second filling.) Tea was around £3.10 and coffee far more. We spent about £250 during those few days. My life was saved and the care exemplary, but financially it was expensive.
There was an article in the Mail on Sunday on the subject: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2780558/Mugged-hospital-beds-The-NHS-s-hidden-charges-cold-drinks-snacks-bedside-TV-sets-phones.html - 6 October 2014 17:27273014Glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery Jeane and had good care from the medical people.
From what I have seen when visiting the food is mostly bland or totally inedible which is not conducive to a good recovery.
You mention the cafe prices being the same as motorway service stations, the likelihood is that the company that runs the cafe also runs motorway service stations. They pay a small fortune to the government for the franchise and I believe a further percentage on every sale. Add that to car parking charges and the bits and pieces in the article, a hospital stay can cost the same as a holiday. - Andy B
- Location: dover
- Registered: 10 Nov 2012
- Posts: 1,829
6 October 2014 17:38273017My son was admitted to St Thomas hospital in central London a few years ago,the parking was free for the first 24hours due to being an emergency admission,afterwards it was around £60 per day,probably much more now.The matron told me i was better off taking the car home which i did. - 6 October 2014 19:26273036Thanks Howard.
I must admit I hadn't really thought about companies who run motorway service stations running the hospital cafes, but that would make sense.
Indeed it can cost the same as a holiday - I know which I'd prefer!
Gosh Andy that's absolutely criminal.
- 6 October 2014 19:44273037Hope you are on the road to a full recovery Jeane .
- Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
7 October 2014 05:47273039evan though hidden charges are unacceptable,this could happen if the nhs is not funded properly.
http://home.bt.com/news/uknews/75anight-hospital-stay-warning-11363936326148 - Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
7 October 2014 07:45273041Parking in hospital car parks is a nice little earner for them which is not right for those who have no choice but use them when they have an appointment or treatment.
I know some cafes are used to subsidise the inpatients food, saw this on a tv programme about poorly run hospital kitchens and how they were improved by the chef James Martin.-----------------------------------------------------------------------
I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
------------------------------------------------------------------- - 7 October 2014 17:09273054Glad to hear you are on the road of recovery Jeane,tomorrow I give my 88th pint of blood.If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
- 7 October 2014 17:28273056glad to hear you are getting better Jeanne!!! and hope to read soo to make a full recovery :D
Try to be a rainbow in someone's cloud. Maya Angelou ☺🌈🌄🌌🌏🌍🌎 - 7 October 2014 19:22273064Many thanks Vic and Heike. Thanks JHG - well done mate
- Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
7 October 2014 19:26273065get well soon jeane,.
its a good job you didn't get chatged 75 quid a night for staying as an in-patient. - 8 October 2014 10:16273083Thanks Brian.
Indeed!