§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many(a) men and (b) women living in England and Wales have travelled to another European country for medical treatment during the last 12 months. [117161]
§ Mr. HuttonPatients can be referred for treatment abroad under the European-wide health care coordination regulations (the E112-scheme) or through direct referral from their national health service trust.
In the 12-month period from 1 June 2002 until 31 May 2003, 253 patients received treatment abroad through the direct referral route sand 1,050 patients received authorisation for treatment abroad through the El 12 scheme.
Information regarding the gender breakdown of these patients is not available centrally.