Hard-up NHS trusts cut back homoeopathy

In the UK, the NHS is cutting back on homoeopathy and other unproven alternative medicines in the face of a financial crisis and pressure from some doctors. More than half of the primary care trusts (PCTs) in England are now refusing to pay for homoeopathy or are severely restricting access. Figures obtained by The Times under the Freedom of Information Act show that at least 86 of the 147 PCTs have either stopped sending patients to the four homoeopathic hospitals, or are introducing strict measures to limit referrals. Financial issues have contributed to this trend. The NHS overspent by £547 million in 2005–06 and many PCTs have made savings on homoeopathy to avoid cuts. The move away from homoeopathy has been so significant that two homoeopathic hospitals are threatened with closure. West Kent PCT is consulting over plans to shut Tunbridge Wells Homoeopathic Hospital and the Royal London Homoeopathic Hospital has asked supporters to lobby trusts and MPs.

The Times, 23 May 2007, p. 8.