A FOREST councillor fears people on low incomes could be put off seeking medical help because of a change in travel expenses.

Member of the Forest Health Forum, Cllr Di Martin (Lab, Cinderford East) said claimants can no longer pick up expenses from an office but have to send off a claim form.

The Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust will pay the patient by cheque or direct debit.

Cllr Martin said: "Members of the Forest of Dean Health Forum are deeply concerned.

"I am worried it will take weeks for people to receive their money and potentially dissuade very sick people from attending medical appointments. The members are concerned how onerous the forms are and that patients will have to complete one for every appointment."

A Clearwell resident who can travel up to four times a week to hospital appointments said: "There has been more than one occasion, even when I was able to claim immediately, when I have made the choice between petrol and heating. I have chosen to go cold and eat cheaply in order to ensure that petrol was available, particularly as my appointments are often last minute by telephone."

The change has been in place in community hospitals for two years and will be rolled out to provide consistency.

Patients have to now fill in a HC5(T) form to reclaim travelling expenses.

A spokesperson for Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "It is important to clarify for the benefit of the public that under the national changes to the Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme those patients who are eligible will continue to receive transport costs for their appointments.

"The only thing that's changed is how those costs are paid, not who or what amount is paid. Patients who in the past have combined claims up to a maximum of £25 can continue to do so with one form within this timeframe.

"We are confident that this is the best way of claiming for our patients and for the Trust."