I acknowledge the publication of a Report by the Ombudsman on 18th April which provides findings and recommendations in relation to treatment abroad schemes administered by the HSE. It is important to acknowledge the important role these schemes play in facilitating patients in Ireland to access necessary medical treatment abroad. Uptake by patients in Ireland of care under the Cross Border Directive has increased significantly over recent years. As acknowledged in the Ombudsman’s report, in the main these schemes work well.
However, some issues have been raised by individual patients with the Ombudsman. The HSE accepts the recommendations of the report and has mandated senior HSE staff to put in place a process to systematically address the issues raised by the Ombudsman and to implement any required changes. In this context, I welcome the HSE’s commitment to implementing the recommendations in the report and to ensuring that all patients accessing medical treatment abroad under these schemes receive the highest standard of public service.
Officials in my Department are currently undertaking a detailed examination of the findings of the Ombudsman’s Report and will further engage with the HSE, to ensure that recommendations made are fully considered and that the administration of these schemes is reviewed appropriately, for the benefit ultimately of patients requiring access to necessary medical treatment abroad.
The HSE, in fulfilling its role as the National Contact Point (NCP) in Ireland, provides information for patients on an on-going basis on the operation of the CBD, including on its website.
