§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Health to what extent the NHS retains liability for compensating430W patients for clinical negligence suffered whilst undergoing treatment abroad under the Patient Choice initiative; and if he will make a statement. [118698]
§ Ms Rosie WintertonThe Government's policy is that patients travelling abroad for treatment should have the same rights and remedies as patients being treated in the United Kingdom.
Where a national health service patient is referred for treatment abroad under the Patient Choice initiative, the referring NHS trust retains a responsibility towards that patient.
The referring NHS trust will therefore retain primary liability for any actions for clinical negligence brought by a patient in respect of NHS-funded treatment overseas.