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Relief for 18,500 patients on
Letterkenny waiting list
23.06.15
SOME 18,500 patients on
waiting lists for treatment at Letterkenny General
Hospital have been urged to consider travelling
across the border or to another EU country for
treatment.
Independent MEP Marian Harkin said the
implementation of the European Cross Border
Healthcare Directive means the HSE will pay for
treatments for Donegal patients who are currently
enduring lengthy waiting list for both in-patient
and out-patient procedures.
“It almost seems to be a well kept secret that the
HSE is obliged to fund treatments in Northern
Ireland or throughout the EU that are already
available in the Republic. This can mean much
shorter or no waiting times for patients who are on
waiting lists," said Ms Harkin. |
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Letterkenny General Hospital. |
"Ireland had been slow
to adopt the European Cross Border Healthcare
Directive but it was now available for all and
patients from Donegal could access treatments even
if they were not currently on waiting lists.
“For those who have been, and will continue to be,
on lengthy waiting lists the Cross Border Health
Directive affords a significantly better opportunity
for treatment by healthcare experts with consequent
enhancement of their well being and quality of
life," she added.
The scheme requires patients to initially fund their
travel expenses, and payment for treatment, but the
HSE has to pay for the treatment on receipt of the
invoice, said Ms Harkin.
There are certain rules and regulations, but nothing
excessive, and member states have a duty under EU
law to facilitate patients who apply, she added.
She also said she would make a proposal to credit
unions to provide up-front funding, with appropriate
conditions, to ensure everyone could avail of the
medical opportunity.
The HSE national contact point for the Cross Border
Healthcare Directive is in Kilkenny, telephone 056
7784546. |
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