Royal College of Nursing Comments on Health Services Directive

Comment on the European Union's proposals on patients' rights to cross border healthcare from Dr Peter Carter, Chief Executive & General Secretary of the Royal College of Nursing (RCN). Dr Carter said: “The RCN cautiously welcomes today's announcement on European Union (EU) cross border healthcare because it clarifies the rights and responsibilities of patients seeking care in other EU member states. “However, this new directive will only work if the EU puts in place information systems that make patients aware of their care entitlement abroad and the quality of the care available. This should allow those considering treatment in other parts of the European Union to make an informed choice. “The EU needs to ensure that equity is central to any further developments in cross border care. We would be very concerned if patients... [read full story]