Vol. 444 No. 2
59 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the circumstances in which from E112 can be issued to a person in receipt of medical treatment to enable that person to receive such treatment abroad; whether there is any appeal procedure applicable on the refusal by a health board to issue such a certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Circular No. 21/85 issued by my Department to the chief executive officer of each health board sets out in detail the provisions of the scheme and the procedures to be followed in relation to the referral of patients for treatment abroad. Before an E112 from can issue medical evidence must be provided by a hospital consultant giving details of the condition from which the patient suffers and the type of treatment envisaged. It must be certified by the consultant that: (a) the treatment concerned is not available in this country; (b) there is an urgent medical necessity for the treatment; (c) there is a reasonable medical prognosis; (d) the treatment is regarded as a proven form of medical treatment; (e) the treatment abroad is in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner. Under the terms of the E112 scheme, the chief executive officer of the referring health board can approve cases without reference to my Department where the total costs involved are less than £10,000. Referrals in excess of this amount must be referred to my Department for approval.
Where a consultant is satisfied that a case meets the above criteria, the consultant should apply for sanction to the health board. Where a health board refuses to issue an E112 form in respect of an application for treatment abroad an individual may appeal in writing to the chief executive officer of the health board in question.
