SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan
Despite approximately 2,099 patients availing from the initiative since July 2021, Health Minister Robin Swann stated that due to the ongoing political impasse it had not been possible to assign funding to extend the scheme.
Speaking following confirmation that the scheme closed to new applicants on 21 September 2022, the Foyle MLA said:
“Confirmation that the cross border health scheme has ended with no clear indication of a future extension, will be met with disappointment for many patients languishing on growing waiting lists here.
“That over 2,000 patients availed of the Republic of Ireland Reimbursement Scheme in just 14 months is testament to the demand and acute need for this service which has consistently seen substantial numbers of patients from the North opting to seek treatment in the South in an effort to circumvent the massive waits for treatment here, particularly in relation to orthopaedic surgery.
“This provision is by no means a perfect one but it has been a vital interim solution which patients and the health system has become reliant on.
“The majority of applications to the cross border initiative falls under hip and knee replacements- of which there are thousands of patients currently waiting.
“That demand is continually growing and just this week a constituent of mine was advised by the Western Trust that at present, the longest wait for routine knee replacement is 298 weeks.
“I appreciate health professionals must set expectations for patients and am acutely aware of the huge pressures facing our hospitals, nevertheless this gentleman was gutted upon learning that he could be waiting years in pain before accessing surgery on the NHS.
“Sadly, this story is not unique.
“The existence of the ROIRS at least provided a glimmer of hope for some patients, offering an alternative route to care.
“Its loss will cause further injury to a health system already on its knees. And its loss will come as a massive blow to anyone hoping to avail of it.
“In the absence of a caretaker minister I have written to the Permanent Secretary urging the importance of finding funding to extend this crucial scheme,” added Mr Durkan.
