Additional resources for Cross-Border Directive must be approved- McConalogue

Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal, Charlie McConalgoue, has said that the request for additional resources by the Cross-Border Directive team must be approved immediately by the Minister for Health and the HSE.

Figures released to the Donegal TD from the HSE revealed that there are currently 3,500 applications for reimbursement & prior authorisation waiting to be processed. It has also been confirmed that it is taking approximately 13 weeks to process applications.

He commented, “The Cross-Border team have been proactive in their approach to seeking additional staff and resources. They have identified that there has been a rapidly increasing demand on the service over the years and recognised the need to make this request in order to cater for those who choose to pursue their surgeries or appointments through the CBD.

“The cross-border directive provides people who are languishing on waiting lists with an alternative option by giving them the opportunity to avail of health services in another European country. They can then recoup costs from the HSE for the amount of that treatment in Ireland, or the cost of the treatment abroad, if that is less.

“However, their requests have been met by radio silence from the HSE and the Minister while patients are left waiting on reimbursements which in many cases can be thousands of euros.

“This is unacceptable and is indicative of how the health system is run under our Government in that a scheme that aims to relieve the pressure on the public waiting list is also under resourced.

“ The Minister and the HSE must come together to approve this funding request. There is clear demand on the service and patients require their reimbursements immediately. I will continue to raise this matter until additional resources are approved” concluded Deputy McConalogue.