RISHI SUNAK BACKTRACKS ON PLANS

BY JAMES SMITH

New prime minister Rishi Sunak has decided to drop plans to fine patients £10 for each GP appointment they miss. During the summer, before he took over as conservative party leader, he pledged to introduce a £10 fine.

The prime minister still wants to send a strong message and the sentiment remains people should not be missing appointment's, according to his spokesperson. But they added

"We have listened to GPs and NHS leaders and agreed now is not the time to take this policy forward. "

Mr Sunak was visiting a Croydon University Hospital in south London on Friday when he was asked about nurses pay.

The Sun

Not exactly answering the question about salaries, Mr Sunak said:

"It is brilliant to be here at Croydon Hospital, to see the great work of the doctors and nurses here. One of the priorities for my government is going to be tackling the COVID backlogs and supporting the NHS."

"We face lots of challenges as a country, but I am confident that we can fix the economy and deliver on the promise of the 2019 manifesto, including having a stronger NHS."

The PM was confronted by 77-year old Catherine Poole, a patient, who said it was a "pity you don't pay them more". Mr Sunak replied by saying: "We're trying," to which she said: "You need to try harder."

Research that the Royal College of Nursing had done suggests that they are currently working an extra day a week without any additional pay. Its also suggested that wages have fallen 20% in real terms, based on a five day week.

Source:Yahoo