A PLEDGE by PM hopeful Rishi Sunak to introduce fines for patients who miss GP and hospital appointments has been described as “completely barmy” by a leading Bradford doctor.

Professor John Wright, the director of the Bradford Institute for Health Research, has argued that the proposals would disproportionately affect society’s poorest, and will increase health inequalities.

Prof Wright added that the idea is both “recycled” and “goofy”, claiming there are better alternatives which could help to fix the problem of people not turning up to appointments.

He said the plans would also cost more money to implement that it would bring in.

Although he said that a first-time offender would be let off, Mr Sunak proposed that those who miss appointments could be fined £10 each time after that.

The Tory leadership candidate argued that those who are failing to show up are taking slots away from others.

Professor Wright reacted by saying: “Charging for missed NHS appointments is a hoary old chestnut of an idea that taps into cheap populism but is fundamentally completely barmy.

“The people who will be penalised the most are the poorest and most vulnerable, who struggle to cover transport costs, time off work or get carers.

“These are the people who can least afford the fines and whose health will be most damaged – exacerbating health inequalities.

“There are better ways to reduce non-attendance – providing better access to care when it is needed, text reminders and clearer explanations about the importance of appointments.

“The NHS has a weary and understaffed workforce that is struggling under a huge backlog of demand following the pandemic.

“These are the challenges to address with urgency and seriousness.”

Telegraph & Argus readers took to social media to give their views on Mr Sunak’s plans.

“How about a fine for GPs who don’t answer the phone when you try to book an appointment?” one user asked.

Another said: “These people are so out of touch with reality it’s unreal. They haven’t even cottoned on yet that we can’t even get a doctor’s appointment to turn up to.”

Another branded the pledge as “disgusting”.

Others gave a different perspective, with one user saying: “Brilliant idea. The NHS is overstretched and underfunded. It might cut down on the people taking it for granted before it completely fails.”

Another in support of Sunak’s plans said: “They should have been doing this years ago. Unless there is a legitimate reason for non-attendance, then yeah, stick a fine on them.”