AQW 21643/22-27

Ms Claire Sugden
Independent
East Londonderry

Tabled Date: 30/01/2025
Answered On Date: 14/02/2025
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister of Health to detail any consideration his Department has given to ensuring patients who receive private healthcare abroad are able to avail of NHS-funded services, such as blood tests, as part of their post-procedure monitoring.

Answer:

When an individual procures private healthcare, within or outside of Northern Ireland, the Health and Social Care (HSC) service, which includes GP practices, is not obliged to provide any associated care.

Patients should ensure that pre and post-operative care, such as, for example, blood tests and stitch removal, are provided within the package of care sold by the independent sector provider. If this associated care is not provided as part of the private service, then individuals should be prepared to meet the associated costs.

In line with normal practice, patients will continue to be able to access emergency care where necessary.