Deirdre Clune criticises HSE for not publicising overseas medical care
Ireland South MEP Deirdre Clune spoke out after an EU report found that few Europeans, and just 11% of Irish patients, are aware of their rights under the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive. “Ireland has had 62 patients using the directive. Denmark has had 30,000,” the Fine Gael MEP said. “I feel the HSE are dragging their heels, when it comes to the full and frank implementation of this directive.”
Last night, she called on the HSE to launch a major information campaign to make people aware of their rights. Under the Cross Border Health Care Directive, any public patient with a referral letter from their GP, or consultant, may obtain medical treatment in another EU member state, and claim reimbursement from the HSE. The HSE has a national contact point, whose role it is to provide information to patients about the directive.
