Fianna Fáil TD for Cavan-Monaghan, Brendan Smith, has once again called upon the Minister for Health to step up resources to ensure patients are not left waiting for long periods of time on reimbursement via the Cross Border Directive (CBD) office.  

Brendan Smith commented, “In the response to my latest Parliamentary Question the HSE have informed me they are making efforts to reduce waiting times for patients who have procedures carried out under the CBD however I am concerned this does not go far enough. 

“Patients are unduly punished by the current scheme as they wait weeks upon weeks for reimbursement from the CBD programme.

“It is common knowledge there has been an increase in those availing of the scheme. The CBD 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. It has proven to be a successful scheme.

 “Many from the Cavan-Monaghan area will travel north to avail of medical treatments and surgeries.

 “The Minister should provide additional resources within his Department to the CBD team to ensure patients are not left waiting long periods of time for reimbursement. I do not take much confidence from the HSE reply,” concluded Deputy Smith.

crossborder director PQ2567519 CBD PQ 2781319

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