Letter

Welsh NHS Confederation submits evidence to the Welsh Affairs Committee on cross-border healthcare

The Welsh NHS Confederation welcomes the opportunity to submit evidence to the UK Parliament’s Welsh Affairs Committee on cross-border healthcare.

23 January 2025

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Key points

  • With significant cross-border flow of patients between Wales and England, our evidence highlighted the potential benefits and challenges to cross-border healthcare. While cross-border healthcare supports patient outcomes and access to health services, the differences in funding and policies between the two health systems can create complexities.

  • Opportunities include improved patient outcomes, collaboration, knowledge sharing and efficient use of resources by preventing unnecessary duplication of services.

  • Addressing challenges and capitalising on the opportunities of cross-border healthcare requires ongoing collaboration between the Welsh and UK governments, as well as a patient-centred approach across both NHSs that prioritises access to quality healthcare for all. 

  • Ensuring equitable access to high-quality care for all patients, regardless of their location, requires ongoing collaboration between the Welsh and UK governments and a patient-centred approach that prioritises seamless care across the border.