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Patients in Ireland are missing out on faster treatments for hip and knee replacements, cataracts, and many other surgical procedures by failing to use the NI Planned Health Scheme, formerly known as the Cross Border Directive, and they don’t even have to be on a waiting list.
Kingsbridge Healthcare Group (KHG), Northern Ireland’s leading independent healthcare company has treated thousands of patients through this cross border healthcare initiative, including several thousand from Co. Donegal over the past five years but say that many people are unaware that they can still avail of this EU supported service, claiming back much of their surgical costs through the HSE.
A Series of Drop-In Clinics have been organised in the coming weeks with one in Donegal on Monday 3rd June 10.30am to 6.30pm in Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey. Come along to meet the advisors.
Gareth Crudden, Business Relationship Manager at Kingsbridge Healthcare Group who will be hosting the drop in clinics. He is pictured with a previous patient from Kingsbridge.
Deputy Medical Director and Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with Kingsbridge, Mr Michael McMullan explains: “Since Brexit many people are of the view that they can no longer use the NI Planned Healthcare Scheme and consequently, some have opted to have surgery outside Ireland. Others believe that they must be on a waiting list before they can apply, and this is simply not the case.
“This service is available to anyone who wishes to be treated in Northern Ireland, with all the convenience that brings, including the advantage of no need to fly. In fact, guidance from The National Institute for Care and Excellence (NICE) advises people who have had a hip or knee replacement to postpone long-haul flights until three months after surgery and possibly undertake short-haul flights six weeks post operation.
“Our absolute priority is patient care and safety,” says Mr McMullan, “so we believe that people need to make an informed decision about where they would prefer to be treated. It’s vital that they know the full range of options available to them, have peace of mind about their procedure and after care and access to all the information about the help that is available to pay for it.”
As the only private hospital in Northern Ireland ranked in the top ten of the National Joint Registry’s list of over 200 private hospitals in the UK, KHG also has a dedicated Cross-Border Healthcare Team to ensure a seamless process that is as easy and stress free as possible.
Gareth Crudden, Cross Border Healthcare Team Leader explains, “Our staff of ‘One to One Advisors’ manage every aspect of the patient’s journey from explaining which treatments are covered, associated costs, organising surgery dates, and taking care of all paperwork including reimbursement from the HSE. All that is required from patients is a referral from their GP and the funds to pay for the treatment before reclaiming the costs.”
Kingsbridge Healthcare Group has been hosting a series of drop-in information sessions across counties with the next one taking place on Monday 3rd June from 10.30am to 6.30pm at Jackson’s Hotel, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal and others here https://kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com/crossborder/drop-in-clinic/ however, additional events can be scheduled for patients who may have missed out. Simply contact businessrelations@kingsbridgehealthcaregroup.com to make a request for your local area.
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