BMA - Cross-border treatment plans must not erode equality - 2 Jul 08

• Extract from : http://tinyurl.com/6nfrz9

Commenting on today’s (Wednesday 2 July, 2008) proposals from the European Commission to increase patients’ rights to treatment in other EU member states, the BMA says it welcomes the principle of greater choice for patients. However, it warns that language barriers and other problems are yet to be addressed, and says that the plans must not be allowed to undermine values of equality, or the financial stability of the NHS.

Dr Terry John, Chairman of the BMA’s International Committee, says:

• “We believe patients are entitled to safe, high quality healthcare. Usually they want to be treated as close to home as possible, but it is understandable why some people want to seek treatment abroad.
• “However, these proposals must not be allowed to erode the fundamental values of universality, accessibility and equality that should underlie healthcare. Patient mobility must not just be for the wealthy and educated. Standards of care for people who choose to stay in their home country, or are unable to travel abroad for treatment, must be maintained.
• “It is disappointing that these proposals make no mention of specific issues which the BMA has continually highlighted over the past two years, such as continuity of care and communication problems, and the risk of NHS services being financially destabilised.”

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