§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what plans he has to restrict free NHS treatment to foreign nationals visiting the UK; [38430]
(2) what (a) regulations and (b) checks exist to prevent health tourists coming to the UK to take advantage of free NHS treatment; and what assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the (i) regulations and (ii) checks. [38429]
§ Mr. HuttonConditions of entry to the United Kingdom are a matter for the Home Office. Once a person has arrived in the United Kingdom their basis of entitlement to national health service treatment will be determined by the general practitioner or hospital providing treatment.
Treatment in NHS hospitals is subject to the provisions of the National Health Service (Charges to Overseas Visitors) Regulations 1989, as amended [in 1991 (SI No: 438), 1994 (SI No:1535), 2000 (SI No: 602), 2000 (SI No: 909)]. These regulations place a duty on hospitals and other NHS bodies to establish the residence qualification of all patients.
The Department of Health has been reviewing the way in which these regulations are applied by NHS trusts and revised guidance is also being drafted. In addition posters and leaflets, drawing attention to the charging regulations, have been issued to all hospitals and GP surgeries and are being sent to British embassies abroad.