MP exposes NHS Trust’s breaching advertising guidelines

Local MP, Andrew Bridgen has exposed that claims management companies are paying NHS trusts thousands of pounds to leave calling cards and booklets in A&E waiting rooms that urge patients to use their services to claim money back for injuries, contrary to NHS guidelines which do not permit advertising.

Andrew Bridgen MP for North West Leicestershire, who raised the matter in the House of Commons accused the trusts of acting in a 'shockingly unethical way.'

He said: “It is morally wrong that any organisation should seek to avoid its own legal responsibility by doing shady back-hand deals with ambulance chasing lawyers.

“This practice, which I believe arose under Labour, is outrageous. I have spoken to my local NHS trust and I have also raised this issue with the Secretary of State.

“I cannot believe that this Government would knowingly condone such dubious practices, and like many colleagues, I want these practices stopped.”

Health Minister Simon Burns MP responded: “It is not acceptable for that sort of advertising in NHS hospitals. I would hope that any trusts behaving in that way immediately review their procedures.”