by Steve Sweeney

THE government refused to rule out charging fees for NHS treatments yesterday as Labour accused the Tories of pushing the health service “to the brink.”

Following a parliamentary debate, Labour health spokesman Justin Madders demanded an “urgent rescue package” for the NHS and called on Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to “rule out the shocking suggestion that patients should face charges.”

Tory MP Sir Edward Leigh had called for an “honest debate” on introducing fees for treatment during health questions in the Commons.

Mr Leigh, who sits on the Commons public accounts committee, said that pressure on accident and emergency departments meant that MPs should be prepared to “think the unthinkable and charge people.”

Health Minister Phillip Dunne refused to rule out charges, referring instead to the government’s sustainability and transformation plans, which he said would “avoid some of the challenges that he’s identified.”

Mr Madders said: “It beggars belief that the Tory front bench are now not even prepared to dismiss ridiculous suggestions like charging NHS patients to use services.

“I’m all for an honest debate about NHS finances — that is what we have been calling for — but that can never include charges for A&E or other NHS services.

A Department of Health statement said: “This story has no foundation. The public can be absolutely assured that, under this government, the NHS will remain free at the point of use.”