25.01.12
Foreign debt written off in NHS
Hospitals are writing off over 90% of money owed by foreign patients, who are not entitled to free NHS care, freedom of information requests show.
Newham Hospital Trust has written off 96% of what it invoiced last year and Basildon and Thurrock wrote off 97%. The total amount written off by 33 NHS Trusts in the London region is £7.6m since 2009.
Trusts suggest that it is difficult to recover the money owed, especially if they leave the UK. Newham University Hospital NHS Trust stated: “There are some cases where it is not possible or becomes difficult to recover costs, such as when a patient passes away, failed asylum seekers or if they leave the UK.”
West Middlesex Hospital wrote off just 3%, according to figures obtained by BBC London.
Care is free to everyone who needs emergency treatment but patients outside of the EU must pay for their care. Some have raised concerns that ‘health tourists’ are coming to theUKsimply for free treatment because the debt is often written off.
Health minister Anne Milton said: “Hospitals must take reasonable measures to recover any debts from overseas patients.
“The NHS has a duty to anyone whose life or long-term health is at immediate risk, but we cannot afford to become an international health service, providing free treatment for all.”
Government is currently reviewing access to NHS health care by overseas patients and is expected to report in the next few months.
Tell us what you think – have your say below, or email us directly at [email protected]