Newry & Armagh SDLP MLA Justin McNulty has called on the Minister of Health to provide an urgent update on the reintroduction of the Cross-Border Reimbursement Scheme amid a surge in public enquiries from individuals facing unacceptable waits for NHS surgical treatment.
Mr. McNulty, who has tabled an urgent Written Assembly Question pressing the Minister for clarity on the scheme’s timeline, said the situation has become critical for many patients across the North, particularly in border communities.
“The number of constituents contacting my office about long NHS waiting lists is staggering. People are living in pain, suffering needlessly, and in some cases their health is deteriorating rapidly while they wait for surgery. They are being left with no option but to explore private treatment—often across the border—just to get the care they need.”
The Cross-Border Reimbursement Scheme previously offered a financial lifeline by allowing patients to recover costs for cross-border treatments. Its suspension has forced many to seek alternative funding—including loans from credit unions or family members—just to afford basic healthcare.
“It’s disgraceful that, in 2025, access to timely treatment is becoming dependent on personal finances. People are going into debt to get surgery. This is not just a health crisis, it’s a social justice issue.
“I’ve asked the Health Minister directly to clarify the timeline for reinstating the Cross-Border Reimbursement Scheme. It is not acceptable that people are being left in limbo with no support.
“The SDLP has consistently championed cross-border healthcare cooperation as a practical and necessary solution to the North’s ongoing healthcare crisis. There needs to be urgent action to reinstate the reimbursement scheme and provide meaningful support to individuals and families.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 