Dear English Resident
Dear English Resident,
This letter contains important information for patients who live in England and are registered with a GP practice in Wales. If you live in England and your GP practice is in England please ignore this letter.
Following the changes to the NHS in April 2013, the Arden, Herefordshire and Worcestershire Area Team, part of NHS England, became responsible for the management of Primary Care Commissioning, including GPs, in Herefordshire. I am writing to inform you about some the differences between the NHS healthcare systems in England and Wales, more information is available on the websites.
England / Wales *Access to emergency services / There is no difference.
In an emergency access to all hospitals, minor injuries units or walk in centres, remains the same / No difference
(NHS 111 not available to Welsh residents)
Access to out patient services following referral by a GP / There is access through a booking system to any hospital in England. Maximum waiting time for treatment is set at 18 weeks / There is access to the local hospital, Wye Valley NHS Trust, Hereford or nearest Welsh hospital. Other requests have to be considered by the Aneurin Bevan Health Board for approval (Powys do not operate this policy) Maximum waiting time for treatment is set at 26 weeks
GP services* / Patients in English or Welsh border areas can register with an English GP. Provision isthen within the English health system / Patients in English or Welsh border areas can register with a Welsh GP. Provision is then within the Welsh health system
Prescriptions / Free for eligible patients / Free for all patients
*Important note – Welsh GPs welcome and value English residents aspatients
We are seeking to identify those people who because of differences between the health systems would prefer to be registered with an English GP.
If you are currently registered with a Welsh GP practice and would like to express an interest in changing to an English GP practice, please contact us by emailing or write to us at the address at the top of this letter. Please include your name, address, contact phone number and details of the GP practice you are currently registered with. Closing date for replies is Monday 4November 2013. There is a helpline available during office hours, answerphone in place at busy times 01905 760111.
IMPORTANT: Please do not leave your current GP service until you have heard from us confirming that you can register with an English GP.