An independent TD has said that he is “disgusted and horrified” by the politics surrounding the cross border medical scheme.
Kerry deputy Danny Healy-Rae said he has been contacted by the CEO of Kingsbridge Private Hospital in Belfast to say that the Health Service Executive (HSE) is advising patients that they will not be able to use the Cross Border Directive (CBD) in Northern Ireland from January 1, 2021.
He said that he has been told that any patients who have already started their journey will be able to continue but no new patients will be accepted after January 1.
“I am disgusted and horrified that the Taoiseach is playing politics with this important scheme which many people have availed of over the years,” said deputy Healy-Rae.
Those people who travelled to Belfast for cataracts; tonsil removal; hip and knee replacements would otherwise have waited years to have the procedure done on the public system here.
“I was glad that I was able to arrange the trips to Belfast for cataract procedures for the many people who were able to save their sight and have the costs refunded under the CBD,” he added.
Cross Border Directive
The CBD allows a person to get healthcare in another European Union or European Economic Area (EEA) member state.
Individuals can access this healthcare in the same way as getting public healthcare in Ireland.
Once abroad, the patient must pay for any healthcare received but under the CBD, they can then apply to the HSE for reimbursement towards the cost of the healthcare.
Deputy Healy-Rae added: “It will now be back to the old story again as they won’t be able to go to the north anymore to get cataract; tonsil removal; hip or knee replacements done.
“There are still some places left on buses to Belfast during December for anyone interested in getting their cataract procedure done,” the deputy concluded.