NHS hospitals told to press on potential health tourism until Queen’s funeral

To NHS hospitals today, Queen Elizabeth II. They were told to be extremely vigilant about potential health tourism ahead of Elizabeth’s funeral.

Hundreds of thousands of tourists are expected to travel to the UK on Monday for Her Majesty’s funeral.

Official guidelines distributed to hospitals state that all establishments “must have a method of identifying foreign visitors.”

This includes foreign dignitaries and VIPs, adds the NHS England document.

All systems must have “plans to treat these patients and ensure that those who are not entitled to free healthcare at the time of use are properly billed.”

to lose money It has long been a controversial topic for health tourists, doctors and politicians traveling to the UK for NHS treatment.

Current law requires foreign patients whose treatment is considered routine, such as hip or knee surgery, to pay upfront.

Emergency care will be charged later, even for pregnant women giving birth.

Many patients mistakenly receive free treatment because staff assume they are UK residents or choose to ignore it.

Some medical leaders, including the influential British Medical Association, have challenged the rules. Doctors described the patients’ accusations as “racist”.

This means that most patients have already left the country when they are asked to pay, costing taxpayers tens of millions of dollars each year.

Only patients who have a ‘habitual residence’ in the UK, meaning they usually have to stay there for six months, are entitled to free treatment.

First aid and out-of-hours services from the family doctor are free for everyone.

In all other cases, personnel are required by law to verify their eligibility by examining their passports, electricity bills and other documents.

European health insurance card holders are entitled to free assistance from the NHS.

Those not eligible for free assistance should be billed, but the actual cost will depend on the procedure offered. For example, tourists who give birth pay around £6,000 each mainly for prenatal care and delivery.

The letter, which first appeared in the health journal, was written by Sir David Sloman, Chief Operating Officer for NHS England.

It reads: “We are writing to all organizations following the confirmation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s death and her status in the state and subsequent activation of agreements regarding burial.”

The policy paper then adds: “The organization should have a method for identifying foreign visitors, including foreign dignitaries and VIPs, and have plans to manage these patients and ensure that those who are not eligible for free healthcare are in place. will be charged correctly.’

The letter also warns of a potential increase in demand over the weekend, particularly in mental health facilities.

It reads: “Please note that the death of Queen Elizabeth II may cause some patients to become unstable and require additional support.”