HC Deb 13 June 2003 vol 406 cc351-2W
21. Mr. Waterson

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many NHS patients have been sent abroad for treatment in each of the last five years. [116544]

Mr. Hutton

Patients can be referred for treatment abroad under the European Union-wide health care coordination regulations (the E112-scheme) or through direct referral from their national health service trust.

The number of patients referred for treatment abroad under each of these systems between 1998 and 2002 are as follows:

In 2002 there were 1,120 E112 referrals and 228 direct referrals.

In 2001 there were 1,139 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.

In 2000 there were 1,099 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.

In 1999 there were 861 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.

In 1998 there were 813 E112 referrals and no direct referrals.