Patients sent overseas for medical treatment

The Dyfed Powys Health Authority refused to confirm what the treatment involved, citing patient confidentiality.

It fears this could identify the two patients and would only confirm that they recently received treatment 'in the European Union'.

But it appears that this facility is to be limited. The Authority says it will only consider funding further treatment of Pembrokeshire patients outside the UK where the appropriate and effective treatment is not available in this country.

It will also have to be recommended by the NHS consultant in charge of the case.

'Treatment outside the UK could also be funded if there are medical and social factors that make it desirable for it to be carried out in another EU country,'' said the Authority's spokesman. This could apply where family support for a patient is only available in an overseas country.

Figures show that through waiting list grants and increased activity, the number of patients waiting over 12 months for an operation at Withybush Hospital fell by 31% last year.

Inpatient and day care lists fell by 20%, with the greatest decrease seen in orthopaedics.

The Department of Health is currently investigating how funding treatment outside the UK could be managed. Dyfed Powys Health Authority confirmed it was awaiting guidance on this issue.

But it warns that there will be hurdles to overcome.

'Should the Department of Health decide that health authorities can take advantage of medical facilities abroad, then the practical implications of continuing care and support would need to be examined,'' added its spokesman.

'It is also the case that in the EU, patients are treated as though they are the citizens of the country in which they receive treatment, which may mean that they have to make a contribution.'

In Belgium, patients contribute 25% of the total in-patient costs. Patients from the UK would be subject to this rule and would not be refunded.