Oral Answers to Questions

David Chadwick Excerpts

Tuesday 9th June 2026 Commons Chamber

The Secretary of State was asked—

[David Chadwick (Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe) (LD)]

1. What steps he is taking to help improve cross-border healthcare between UK nations.

[John Lamont (Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk) (Con)]

9. What discussions he has had with the Scottish Government on improving cross-border healthcare.

[The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (Preet Kaur Gill)]

The Government are committed to ensuring patients can access timely, high-quality care wherever they live in the United Kingdom, while recognising ongoing challenges. We are working with the NHS and devolved Governments to improve digital interoperability, streamline cross-border billing and support more joined-up care.

[David Chadwick]

Powys has no general hospital, so my constituents are dependent on access to English hospitals for the treatment and operations they need. However, last July, Powys teaching health board made the decision to extend waiting times for Powys patients awaiting operations, with the result that many have now been waiting years, often in agonising pain. Will the Minister meet me, Powys teaching health board and the new Welsh Health Minister to ensure Powys patients get the funding and treatment they need?

[Preet Kaur Gill]

I would welcome a meeting with the hon. Member. As he knows, decisions about waiting list management in Wales are matters for the Welsh Government, but I agree that patients in border communities should be able to access care as quickly and conveniently as possible.