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Cross-border Healthcare
04 November 2025
Lead MP
David Chadwick
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
LD
Responding Minister
Karin Smyth
Tags
NHSWales
Word Count: 13531
Other Contributors: 15
At a Glance
David Chadwick raised concerns about cross-border healthcare in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The MP asks for a clear, binding system to allow seamless cross-border referrals where clinically appropriate and calls on Ministers to stop the policy that is causing undue delay in patient treatment.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The debate centres on the challenges faced by patients in Powys who must seek medical treatment across the border in England due to the lack of a district general hospital within the county. Nearly 40% of the health board’s budget is spent commissioning services in Herefordshire and Shropshire, leading to issues with co-ordination between Welsh and UK Governments. The new waiting list policy introduced by Powys teaching health board has led to patients facing delays up to twice as long for necessary treatments, which could cost more due to the need to run parallel waiting lists.
Ann Davies
PC
Caerfyrddin
Highlights a case where a constituent's access to a veteran facility was denied due to cross-border funding issues, despite being eligible during service. Agrees with the need for addressing such issues for timely patient outcomes.
Discussed the issue of waiting times for residents seeking treatment in England and raised concerns about digital interoperability between healthcare systems.
David Chadwick
Con
Powys
Asked a question about the Minister's ability to address all points raised in the debate. Welsh NHS waiting lists are the highest in the UK, nearly a third of the population is on waiting lists. Extra funding announced by Welsh Government cannot be spent on English commissioned services, which exacerbates the issue.
David Smith
Lab
North Northumberland
Described an incident where a constituent collapsed with a brain tumour while near the border and faced delays in diagnosis due to lack of medical record access. Highlighted the need for joined-up thinking across healthcare services. Discussed issues around medical records and the need for joined-up thinking regarding referrals and care across borders.
Helen Morgan
LD
North Shropshire
Discusses numerous cases where constituents face delays and lack of access to medical records due to the broken system along the Wales-England border. Illustrates a case of breast cancer care being delayed because of funding issues, underscoring the need for better co-operation between health systems.
Jamie Stone
LD
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Illustrated a scenario where a Scottish doctor had to travel for treatment due to long waiting lists in their area. Emphasized the need for a database that could show patients treatment options across different parts of the UK. Emphasised the importance of cross-border healthcare cooperation for families and patients, highlighting that it should not be hindered by bureaucracy.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Highlighted internal disputes within countries regarding healthcare services and their impact on cross-border communities.
Julia Buckley
Lab
Shrewsbury
Celebrated improvements at Shrewsbury and Telford hospital NHS trust following a £320 million investment project, highlighting shorter waiting times and improved staff morale.
Julie Minns
Lab
Carlisle
Ms Minns shared a case where a constituent from Carlisle faced difficulties in accessing treatment due to outdated guidance, requiring intervention for local care. She calls for an urgent review of the guidance and improvements.
Karin Smyth
Lab
Nottingham East
Welcomed changes at Shrewsbury and Telford hospital benefiting both English and Welsh patients, mentioned challenges in accessing specialist services, and discussed issues of digital interoperability.
Llinos Medi
PC
Ynys Môn
Cites an example where a constituent's treatment was denied due to cross-border funding issues, despite the facility being available for armed forces veterans. Emphasizes the need for effective co-operation and information sharing between Governments on both sides of the border.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
Responded to the debate by highlighting the challenges faced by staff due to devolution, emphasizing the need for a British healthcare system that works in all situations.
Tiverton and Minehead
Supports the need for a clear, binding system to allow seamless cross-border referrals where clinically appropriate.
Robin Swann
DUP
Fermanagh and South Tyrone
Mr Swann highlighted progress made in cross-border healthcare between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, advocating for continued co-operation and expansion of services to benefit patients from both sides. Stressed the need to 'put the national back in our national health service', advocating for further north-south cooperation in specialist paediatric services, particularly perinatal pathology.
Steve Witherden
Lab
Montgomeryshire and Glyndŵr
Steve Witherden highlighted the unique challenges faced by Powys teaching health board in Wales, where many residents rely on hospitals in England. He cited specific cases of patients having to travel long distances for care due to service reorganisation and delays caused by lack of data sharing across borders. Raised problems with data sharing, patient record transfer, and inconsistencies in referral pathways between England and Wales.
Government Response
Karin Smyth
The Minister for Secondary Care
Government Response
Welcomes the debate secured by the hon. Member for Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe and acknowledges the importance of cross-border healthcare issues. The Minister assures that extra £1.5 billion has been allocated by the Welsh Government to public services in Wales, including an additional £600 million for health and care. She also reaffirms the Department's commitment to ensuring timely and high-quality care across borders, while emphasizing ongoing cooperation between officials from different governments. Acknowledged challenges such as data sharing issues, inconsistent referral pathways, and digital interoperability problems. Highlighted the NHS's commitment to working with Wales to keep cross-border arrangements fair and patient-centred, mentioned ongoing improvements in access to specialist services, welcomed changes at Shrewsbury and Telford hospital, discussed efforts to improve digital healthcare infrastructure, including a £10 billion investment into technology for better service access. Emphasised collaboration through the Interministerial Group for Health and Social Care, and support for UK-wide measures like the Tobacco and Vapes Bill aimed at protecting children from tobacco use.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.