Context
One year ago, the former Health Secretary offered patients from Wales and Scotland experiencing long waits treatment by providers in England, but this offer was declined as it was perceived as a political stunt. The question aims to reconsider this offer, now including Northern Ireland.
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his answer. Just over a year ago, the former Health Secretary wrote to counterparts in the devolved Administrations to offer patients from Wales and Scotland who were experiencing lengthy waits the option of treatment by providers in England. The offer was declined, as it was seen as a political stunt. Would the Secretary of State consider reviewing that offer, but this time including Northern Ireland, so that his call to offer the best of the NHS to the rest of the NHS can be shared across the entire nation?
Answer from The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Wes Streeting)
I am absolutely committed to our working across the whole of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on cross-border working and co-operation, where we can. I have had constructive conversations, particularly with my counterpart in Wales, to that effect, and I would be delighted to work with my counterpart in Northern Ireland in the same spirit. Despite our differing views on the future of the United Kingdom, I have had equally constructive discussions with my counterpart in Scotland, although he may not thank me for mentioning it.
Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not explicitly address reviewing or implementing an offer to patients from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland experiencing lengthy waits to receive treatment by providers in England. Instead, he focused on the spirit of working together across the UK.
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