EVEN FREEVIEW COSTS THE SICK: Anger as patients pay £10 a day to watch TV

Labour calls for review as five health boards bill ill Scots

- PAUL HUTCHEON

PATIENTS are being charged up to £10 a day to watch TV while they recuperate in hospital.

Scottish Labour has called for a government review after uncovering figures showing five health boards bill sick Scots.

Party MSP Paul Sweeney said: "Falling sick and going to hospital can be an isolating experience and for some patients TV will be a lifeline.

"However, it seems that whether patients can access it comes down to a postcode lottery.

"The SNP government must ensure that patients get the same quality of care wherever they seek hospital treatment." The Nats said in 2020 patients would receive free bedside TV to combat loneliness - but only for three months.