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Consultation on the European Commission’s proposals for a Directive on the application of patients' rights in cross-border healthcare

  • Launch date:
    8 October 2008
  • Closing date:
    3 December 2008
  • Creator/s:
    Department of Health
  • Copyright holder:
    Crown
  • Gateway number:
    Consultation Gateway 10611, Listening Event Gateway 10847

On 2 July 2008 the European Commission published a draft Directive on the application of patients’ rights in cross-border healthcare.  This draft Directive seeks to clarify and codfiy existing European Court of Justice case law on when a patients can exercise their freedom to obtain health services to which they are entitled to in the UK, in another European Union Member State.  The draft Directive also proposes that the Commission should co-ordinate across, or issue guidelines on, Member States in some areas of healthcare.

The Directive is currently subject to negotiation.  This consultation seeks to inform the UK Government’s negotiating position on the draft Directive and seeks views on the impacts the Directive could have on UK health systems.  An initial impact assessment including an equality screening template on the Directive are also published below.

Comments are invited on both documents by 3 December 2008.

EU cross border healthcare directive listening event in London

As part of the consultation process on the proposed Directive, the Department is keen to hear a range of views and is therefore planning to hold a stakeholder briefing and listening event to help inform the UK's negotiating position

This event will take place on 26th November at Holiday Inn Mayfair, 3 Berkeley Street, London W1XJ 8NE

and last from around 10.30 to 3.15. Lunch will be provided.

For an agenda and to register, please contact Lesley Boyes at the Department of Health

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