Cross-border healthcare patients at risk of “falling through the gaps”: Welsh Affairs Committee

Following the inquiry, MPs said they were “alarmed” by the persistence of issues, such as difficulties with transferring patient data across the border and arranging transport for appointments.

MPs were also concerned about the lack of action to address these issues, despite the predecessor committee highlighting these issues in 2015.

The House of Commons Welsh Affairs Committee said: “Our committee is deeply concerned by the lack of urgency in addressing long-standing issues affecting cross-border healthcare patients. Despite our predecessor committee raising alarm bells in 2015, patients are still experiencing the same frustrations today.

“We’ve heard evidence of difficulties with securing specialist treatment, transferring patient data across the border and arranging transport for appointments. It is unacceptable these issues are still on-going today. Patients should not have to face unnecessary barriers to receive the treatment they deserve. 

“Patients with a clear treatment pathway who receive the care they need, generally report a positive experience. However, with complex referral systems, we fear some patients are at risk of falling through the gaps between two healthcare systems. Responsibility and accountability can become unclear, leaving patients unsure who to turn to for support. We want to ensure that patients’ experiences are prioritised and protected when using cross-border healthcare.”

Chair of the Senedd's Health and Social Care Committee, Jayne Bryant MS said: “Healthcare should not be made more difficult by the existence of two different systems. For those travelling between Wales and England for healthcare, challenges have persisted for years and require action from both the Welsh and UK Governments. 

“As a new committee in a new Senedd, we are eager to get to work. We want to help drive improvements for patients and ensure that no one falls through the gaps."

The Welsh Affairs Committee is collaborating with the Senedd Health and Social Care Committee to jointly examine cross-border healthcare on both sides of the Wales-England border.

The Department for Health and Social Care and the Welsh Government have been approached for comment.

Lottie Winson