21 June 2024
Letter to Mr. Iñaki Ereño, Bupa CEO regarding inadequate fee caps for Practitioner Psychologists.

Dear Iñaki Ereño,

We are writing to bring to your attention an issue that has been affecting Practitioner Psychologists within the Bupa provider network for far too long.

People signing this letter are part of our community of mental health professionals, feeling compelled to express our collective frustration regarding the stagnant fees that have remained unchanged for the past decade. We understand that changes are happening in the last few weeks to some Psychologists - those who work in Central London or work with children and adolescents. Change is welcomed but still not significant enough to reflect the financial reality of the country and it is only beneficial for a small number of professionals.

Despite the consistent rise in the cost of living and the significant inflation rates witnessed across the UK during this period, the fee caps for Psychologists have not seen any adjustments to reflect these economic realities. Such negligence in revising fee structures fails to acknowledge the invaluable contributions made by mental health professionals in ensuring the well-being of Bupa members.

The repercussions of this oversight are deeply concerning. Not only does it undervalue the expertise and dedication of Psychologists, but it also undermines their ability to sustain our practices and provide quality care to Bupa members. As a result, many talented professionals are facing financial strain, which ultimately compromises the accessibility and standard of mental health services available to your members.

We, the providers, have reached a tipping point where we can no longer operate under these conditions. The disparity between the current fee caps and the rising costs of delivering mental health services is untenable and demands immediate rectification.

Furthermore, it is disheartening to consider that while Bupa has likely reviewed and increased its employees’ salaries over the last decade to keep pace with inflation and market demands, the income of Psychologists has remained stagnant. This discrepancy in treatment between employees and providers raises serious questions about the fairness and equity within Bupa’s policies.

Therefore, we urge you to prioritize this matter with the utmost urgency. Bupa must take proactive steps to review and revise the fee caps for Psychologists to align with the current economic conditions and ensure fair payment for the services we offer.

It is concerning that providers are being forced to contemplate collective actions, including the withdrawal of registration or cessation of services to Bupa, to elicit an overdue and fair increase in fees. Such measures should not be necessary in a collaborative healthcare ecosystem, and we implore Bupa to demonstrate its commitment to its providers by initiating constructive dialogue and prompt resolution of this issue.

Failure to address this issue promptly not only jeopardizes the well-being of mental health professionals but also undermines Bupa’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and equitable healthcare services to its members.

We eagerly anticipate your swift and decisive action on this matter and remain available for further discussion to achieve a mutually beneficial resolution.

Thank you for your attention to this pressing concern.

Sincerely,

355
signatures
312 verified
  1. Jose Rodriguez, Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist in Cambridge, Cambridge
  2. Hayley Poole, Clinical Psychologist, Rugby
  3. Anna Swift, Clinical Psychologist, Norwich
  4. Soha Daru, Counselling Psychologist, Manchester
  5. Nicola Gawn, Clinical Psychologist, East Sussex
  6. Thomas Clarke, Clinical psychologist, Liverpool
  7. Lara Lopes de Jesus, Counselling Psychologist, CHELMSFORD
  8. Dr Aspasia Ftenou, Counselling Psychologist, Manchester
  9. Michelle O’Keeffe, Clinical psychologist, Private Practice, Bristol
  10. anonymous, Private practice
  11. Sophia Kariotaki, Psychologist, Manchester
  12. Jess bezance, Clinical psychologist
  13. Lynda Teape, Clinical psychologist, Cambridge
  14. Tracy King, Clinical Psychologist, TCK therapeutic and assessment services LTD, Longfield
  15. Alison Lane, Clinical Psychologist, Private practice, Guildford
  16. Dr Christina Barker, Clinical Psychologist, Dr Christina Ltd, Cornwall
  17. Sophie Gwinnett, Clinical Psychologist, Brightside Psychology, Wolverhampton
  18. Dr Nisha Karia, Clinical Psychologist, MaxiMinds Clinical Psychology Services., Leicester
  19. Yvonne Waft, Clinical Psychologist, Catalyst Clinical Psychology, Huddersfield
  20. Dr Katherine Mollart, Clinical psychologist, Mollart cbt, Winchester
...
272 more
verified signatures
  1. Chloe Edwards, Psychotherapist, Hove
  2. Craig Coventry, Psychotherapist, Guildford
  3. Verity Alexis, Practitioner Psychologist, LONDON
  4. Joanne Livingston, Psychologist, Livingston Therapy Ltd, London
  5. Malin Sellden, Counselling Psychologist, Self-employed, HODDESDON
  6. Anne Li, Psychologist, London
  7. Dr. Chris James, Clinical Psychologist, Dr. Chris James Clinical Psychology Practice, South Wales
  8. Georgina Sherling, Clincial Psychologist, Bushey
  9. cathy kitson, clinical psychologist, LONDON
  10. Lisa Kingston, Clinical psychologist, Private practice, Surrey
  11. Dr Arabella Bowen, Consultant Counselling Psychologist, Pitchbury Psychological Services, Shipham, WINSCOMBE
  12. Dr Stephanie Louw, Clinical Psychologist, Stephanie Louw Psychology, St Albans
  13. Stuart Baker, psychologist, SBP, Richmond
  14. Jane Hupston, Counsellor, Counselling by Jane, Scarborough
  15. gloria
  16. Cleandra Waldron, Counselling Psychologist, CWP & CPG, Brighton
  17. Dr Abigael San, Clinical psychologist, Dr Abigael San, London
  18. Rachel Godfrey, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Family psychology Services-self-employed, London
  19. Emma Citron, Clinical psychologist., Self, London
  20. Gail Bennett, Jungian Analyst, London
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