A north-east woman is calling for TV charges in hospital to be abolished after paying more than the cost of an annual licence within weeks so that her cancer-stricken husband can watch his favourite shows.
Keith Adams was diagnosed with stage four glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, in October.
The 51-year-old from Fraserburgh has spent the last three weeks needing round-the-clock care in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, and doctors have now stopped his medication.
His wife of 18 years, Wendy, told the Evening Express his “lifeline” bedside TV has been one of his only links to the outside world.
But at a cost of almost £25 for three days’ use he has racked up a £175 bill already, and she has now resorted to launching an online crowdfunder to help pay for it.
She said: “People in prison and care homes get their TV for free but yet not in a hospital.
“Keith loves TV – he likes soaps and sports.
“He enjoys watching football and darts, and likes Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
“It is his lifeline. It should be free.”
A spokeswoman for NHS Grampian said the health board has a contract with Hospedia, which provides TV and radio packages for patients.
“We would encourage Mr and Mrs Adams to get in touch with our feedback service directly so we can discuss their concerns in detail,” she added.
A Hospedia spokesman said the firm does not comment on individual cases.
