UK doctors welcome EU treatment plans

British doctors have welcomed plans for NHS patients to have more freedom to seek treatment elsewhere in the European Union.

But the British Medical Association (BMA) says there are practical concerns to be addressed before a new framework is established.

The European Commission is developing a community framework to establish reinforced cooperation between member states and to allow community law to be applied to healthcare services.

In its response to the Commission’s proposals, the BMA said it was in favour of greater mobility.

But it warned that patients should be made aware of potential language barriers and cultural differences, as well as problems with the continuity of care.

It wants a minimum quality standard to be established and overseen by the Commission and reassurances the principle of equal access will not be compromised be paying different fees abroad.

“Unfortunately it is not always possible for patients to get high quality care close to home without delay, and we support the principle of greater mobility within Europe,” Dr Terry John, chairman of BMA’s international committee, said.

“However, we would like to see much more work done on some of the practicalities – for example, who will interpret and translate medical notes? “