Making the NHS fair again - Sollitt

9.22.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 13th Apr 2005

Liberal Democrats - Making the NHS fair again

Steve Sollitt, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Southampton Test has welcomed the launch of the Health Manifesto including a vision for a fairer NHS,

"We have pledged to tackle key unfair charges faced by users of the NHS. Liberal Democrats will:

· Scrap charges for personal care for the elderly throughout the UK

· Scrap charges for eye checks

· Scrap charges for dental checks

· Deliver a fairer prescription charge system, following an independent review

Steve Sollitt said "For the Liberal Democrats fairness is a priority. We will cut charges in the NHS by providing free eye and dental checks for all, because prevention is as important as cure - and charges for tests discourage people from taking them.

"We will set up a review of the prescription charge regime. Our objective will be to deliver a fairer system.

"We will provide free personal care for people with long-term or debilitating illnesses -- just as Liberal Democrats have achieved in Scotland. The principle is that personal care that is free in a hospital should be free at home or in a residential home.

"Liberal Democrats believe the principles of the National Health Service are as relevant today as they were when it was first founded.

"A universal service, a common good funded through general taxation; delivering health care to all citizens; based on need, not on what a person can afford; and free at the point of delivery.

"It's time to reinvigorate the founding principles of fairness in the NHS."

"Because we believe prevention is as important as cure we will end the charges for eye and dental checks. Free checks will help to spot disease early and are part of our plans to tackle the root causes of ill health.

"We will also set up an independent review of prescription charges with the aim of extending free prescriptions to more people living with long term conditions.

"If people want a fairer NHS there is a real alternative. Only the Liberal Democrats have the costed plans for free personal care, free eye and dental checks, and fewer prescription charges."

Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Older People and candidate in Romsey, Sandra Gidley, , said:

"Frail and sick elderly people should not have to pay for basic care like help with feeding, dressing and washing. The Prime Minister broke his promise to end this scandal.

"The Liberal Democrats have a clear and costed commitment to free personal care for the elderly."