![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/rishi-sunak-abandons-pledge-to-fine-nhs-patients-10-for-missing-appointments/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/0_PM-Rishi-Sunak-Visits-A-Hospital-In-South-London.jpg&description=The new Prime Minister made the pledge during the summer's Tory leadership contest - but faced a backlash from health leaders and unions over the proposalsPrime Minister Rishi Sunak speaks with patient Catherine Poole as he visits Croydon University hospital todayRishi Sunak has backtracked on a Tory leadership campaign pledge to fine patients who miss GP and hospital appointments £10. A No 10 spokeswoman said: "The PM wants to deliver a stronger NHS and the sentiment remains that people should not be missing their appointments and taking up NHS time. "But we have listened to GPs and health leaders, and have acknowledged that now is not the right time to take this policy forward." Announcing the policy in July, Mr Sunak said: 'Missed appointments are a big cost for the NHS. Rishi Sunak pledges to deliver Tory 2019 manifesto - what to look out for "But worse than the cost is the impact on other patients waiting to be seen. He added: 'Everyone should be able to get an appointment with their GP, and those waiting to see a consultant should be seen as soon as possible. "But the millions of appointments being missed make it harder for people to get the care they need. 'Under my government, there will never be charges for care in our NHS. But I will charge people who waste valuable NHS time by booking appointments and failing to attend.' This breaking news story is being updatedMORE ON){kind=link}
The new Prime Minister made the pledge during the summer’s Tory leadership contest – but faced a backlash from health leaders and unions over the proposals
Rishi Sunak has backtracked on a Tory leadership campaign pledge to fine patients who miss GP and hospital appointments £10.
A No 10 spokeswoman said: “The PM wants to deliver a stronger NHS and the sentiment remains that people should not be missing their appointments and taking up NHS time.
“But we have listened to GPs and health leaders, and have acknowledged that now is not the right time to take this policy forward.”
Announcing the policy in July, Mr Sunak said: “Missed appointments are a big cost for the NHS.