Calls by Sajid Javid for people to be charged for visiting A&E and for GP appointments have been greeted with outrage by people in Lancashire.
He used Ireland's “nominal” 75 euro fees for going to an injury unit without a referra as an example of a model the UK could adopt, and £20 fees for GP appointments in Norway and Sweden as possible models. But the idea has provoked fury across Lancashire and the rest of the country, with many highlighting they are already paying for the NHS through tax and National Insurance contributions..
The Prime Minister is said to not be "currently" considering the proposals. However, during his Tory leadership campaign, Rishi Sunak did unveil plans that could see patients fined £10 for missing GP and hospital appointments. LancsLive readers have had plenty to say about Mr Javid's proposals - with more than 600 of you getting in touch to voice your opinions on the subject.
Some pointed out that if charges were introduced, it could stop those who are genuinely ill seeking help because they may not be able to afford to book an appointment.