A new parliamentary inquiry is examining the challenges faced by patients who access NHS healthcare across the England and Wales border.
The inquiry has been launched by the Welsh Affairs Committee, which says patients often cross the border to receive care closer to home, to access specialist services, or where treatment is not available locally.
Evidence previously heard by the committee has suggested that patients can face difficulties linked to devolved health policy, including problems with medical records, transport and hospital referrals.
The inquiry aims to identify the most pressing issues affecting cross border patients and to examine how the UK Government and Welsh Government work together to ensure arrangements operate effectively.
MPs will also consider whether improved use of data and digital systems could enhance patient experience and clinical decision making, and whether current systems are compatible across borders.
Welsh language provision in cross border healthcare settings will form part of the inquiry, alongside the potential impact of recent reforms, including the abolition of NHS England and the UK Government’s 10 Year Health Plan.
As part of the inquiry, NHS patients who rely on cross border healthcare will be invited to take part in a survey to share their experiences.
Ruth Jones MP, Chair of the Welsh Affairs Committee, said: “People may move across the border to see their GP, visit a local service or access specialist care. Our inquiry will be looking at any barriers that currently exist to accessing cross-border healthcare and whether all those responsible for providing services are working together to deliver the best outcomes for patients.”
The committee is also inviting written evidence addressing issues such as patient experience, digital compatibility, language provision and lessons from other cross border health systems.
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