Private patients to be charged for ‘care on trolleys’

Hospitals have been told to break official health policy and charge private patients who receive treatment in public areas — even if they are cared for in corridors, "therapy chairs", or trolleys.

Guidelines issued by the HSE’s chief financial officer, Stephen Mulvany, have made it clear the move is necessary to protect public services and bring in vital extra funds.

Under the plan, which the memo from Mr Mulvany accepts is a “breach of policy” and could potentially be a breach of contract with insurers, hospitals will be allowed to charge health companies for treating covered patients privately, even when that care takes place in public wards.