§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health[pursuant to his answer of 10 February, ref 92556], what types of operation were carried out on the 190 patients in (a) France and (b) Germany; and whether the £1.1 million includes travelling costs of patients and accompanying relatives. [98156]
§ Mr. Hutton[holding answer 24 February 2003]: Of the 190 patients that were referred for treatment abroad as part of the overseas pilot, 109 were treated in France, and 81 were treated in Germany. Of the patients that were treated in France, 37 were ophthalmology patients, and 72 were orthopaedic patients. All of the patients treated in Germany were orthopaedic patients.
The figure of £1.1 million quoted in the answer of 10 February, includes the costs of both treatment and travel for patients. The lead commissioners do not have a general power to fund travel and accommodation costs for companions. Companions can only be funded if it can be demonstrated that it is medically necessary that the patient be accompanied.