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14/03/2005
Lib Dems announce plans to cut 'unfair' health charges
Free eye and dental checks and an independent review of prescription charges have been pledged by the Liberal Democrats as they unveiled their health policy package.
The party's policy also includes plans to tackle diagnostic waiting times, which they have described as "Labour's hidden waiting lists".
Speaking at the launch of the party's health manifesto, Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy said: "The current system means people on low incomes have to budget for their medicine – and often end up taking lower doses to save money. In the long-term this means increased costs for the NHS because, unchecked, their condition will get worse."
Mr Kennedy said that the Liberal Democrats aimed to make fairness "a priority". He said: "Many people with long term illnesses like cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis have to pay for their life saving drugs, while people with diabetes and epilepsy get them for free."
The Liberal Democrat leader announced plans for a major review of prescription charges, saying: "Our aim will be a fairer system, with free prescriptions for more people with long term conditions." He also said that £225 million had been set aside in the party's spending plans to implement the recommendations of the review.
The party's Shadow Health Secretary Paul Burstow said that as many as 500,000 people in the UK were on "hidden waiting lists". Commenting on these figures, Mr Burstow said: "Liberal Democrat research has found that in two out of five NHS Trusts people are waiting six months or more for a routine MRI scan. These are scans to confirm a cancer, a brain tumour, a heart condition. Labour's political targets are missing the point. It is because Liberal Democrats put patients first that we will tackle these hidden waiting times."
Health Secretary John Reid announced plans to reduce hospital waiting times to 18 weeks by 2008 under the NHS Improvement Plan, launched in June 2004.
(KMcA/SP)
The party's policy also includes plans to tackle diagnostic waiting times, which they have described as "Labour's hidden waiting lists".
Speaking at the launch of the party's health manifesto, Liberal Democrat leader, Charles Kennedy said: "The current system means people on low incomes have to budget for their medicine – and often end up taking lower doses to save money. In the long-term this means increased costs for the NHS because, unchecked, their condition will get worse."
Mr Kennedy said that the Liberal Democrats aimed to make fairness "a priority". He said: "Many people with long term illnesses like cystic fibrosis and multiple sclerosis have to pay for their life saving drugs, while people with diabetes and epilepsy get them for free."
The Liberal Democrat leader announced plans for a major review of prescription charges, saying: "Our aim will be a fairer system, with free prescriptions for more people with long term conditions." He also said that £225 million had been set aside in the party's spending plans to implement the recommendations of the review.
The party's Shadow Health Secretary Paul Burstow said that as many as 500,000 people in the UK were on "hidden waiting lists". Commenting on these figures, Mr Burstow said: "Liberal Democrat research has found that in two out of five NHS Trusts people are waiting six months or more for a routine MRI scan. These are scans to confirm a cancer, a brain tumour, a heart condition. Labour's political targets are missing the point. It is because Liberal Democrats put patients first that we will tackle these hidden waiting times."
Health Secretary John Reid announced plans to reduce hospital waiting times to 18 weeks by 2008 under the NHS Improvement Plan, launched in June 2004.
(KMcA/SP)
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19 April 2005
Lib Dems pledge to cut ‘hidden’ NHS waiting lists
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut the NHS’ ‘hidden’ waiting lists of people awaiting diagnosis. Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy promised to provide £350 million to help cut waiting times for diagnosis for around 500,000 people who, he said, are “languishing” on these “hidden” waiting lists.
Lib Dems pledge to cut ‘hidden’ NHS waiting lists
The Liberal Democrats have pledged to cut the NHS’ ‘hidden’ waiting lists of people awaiting diagnosis. Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy promised to provide £350 million to help cut waiting times for diagnosis for around 500,000 people who, he said, are “languishing” on these “hidden” waiting lists.
30 March 2005
Lib Dems launch local election campaign
The Liberal Democrats have launched their local government election campaign by declaring the party "the growing force" in local government. A statement released by the party stated that the Liberal Democrats had "pushed" Labour into third place in last year's local elections.
Lib Dems launch local election campaign
The Liberal Democrats have launched their local government election campaign by declaring the party "the growing force" in local government. A statement released by the party stated that the Liberal Democrats had "pushed" Labour into third place in last year's local elections.
21 April 2005
Liberal Democrats to tackle student debt
The Liberal Democrats have promised to remove the fear of debt from university students by scrapping tuition and top-up fees and increase grants for poorer students. The party announced that a Liberal Democrat government would provide grants of up to £2,000 per year to poorer students.
Liberal Democrats to tackle student debt
The Liberal Democrats have promised to remove the fear of debt from university students by scrapping tuition and top-up fees and increase grants for poorer students. The party announced that a Liberal Democrat government would provide grants of up to £2,000 per year to poorer students.
03 September 2014
Free Childcare Announced For Two-Year-Olds
Two-year-olds are to receive 15 hours free childcare every week, under new plans announced by the Liberal Democrats. Currently all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds from the most hard-pressed homes are eligible for 15 hours free childcare each week. Liberal Democrats want all children to have the opportunity to get the best start in life.
Free Childcare Announced For Two-Year-Olds
Two-year-olds are to receive 15 hours free childcare every week, under new plans announced by the Liberal Democrats. Currently all three and four-year-olds and two-year-olds from the most hard-pressed homes are eligible for 15 hours free childcare each week. Liberal Democrats want all children to have the opportunity to get the best start in life.
09 December 2008
Welsh Lib Dems Name Female Leader
Kirsty Williams has been named as the Welsh Liberal Democrats' new leader, making her the first female party leader in the country's Assembly Government. The Brecon and Radnorshire AM will replace Mike German after beating Cardiff Central AM Jenny Randerson, taking 60% of the vote.
Welsh Lib Dems Name Female Leader
Kirsty Williams has been named as the Welsh Liberal Democrats' new leader, making her the first female party leader in the country's Assembly Government. The Brecon and Radnorshire AM will replace Mike German after beating Cardiff Central AM Jenny Randerson, taking 60% of the vote.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
