Plaid President Jill Evans MEP has voted in the European Parliament for better rules on patients’ rights to healthcare treatment in other countries.

Jill Evans MEP said,

“Patients from Wales must be able to choose treatment based on their needs and not what they can afford to pay. The new European rules will improve the system under which patients in Wales can get treatment in other European countries and be reimbursed the cost. It also ensures that this can only happen with the prior agreement of the Welsh government so it will not financially affect the day to day running of the health service.”

The new law sets out how and when medical treatment in another Member State can be paid for.

Ms. Evans continued,

“Most people prefer to get treatment as close to home as possible so this won't affect large numbers of patients, but it is important that people who do choose to go abroad rather than wait for treatment have the correct information, have proper protection and can take action if anything goes wrong.

"Plaid Cymru helped to bring the internal market of the health service to an end in Wales because we believe that patient care should always be the priority. I believe the new law reflects that."

Helen Mary Jones AM, Plaid's Health spokesperson, has also backed the new law.

Helen Mary Jones said,

“This is good news for patients in Wales. The new law establishes clear rights for patients and a framework for those who would like to seek treatment abroad.

“It safeguards the health service in Wales, allowing for more control over financial planning.

“The new law strikes the right balance between patient care and the role of the health service.

“It would help the Welsh Government continue with their work in developing a first-class health service.”

Diwedd/Ends.