Patients warned about travelling abroad for care
By Robin Stride
The doctor head of the Private Healthcare Information Network (PHIN) has stepped in to alert patients to the importance of doing their homework before risking surgery abroad.
Potential travel tourists are being advised by the organisation to find out about the qualifications and accreditations of the healthcare providers and facilities in their chosen country.
And they should check whether the medical care professionals are certified and if the hospital or clinic adheres to international standards, it said.
PHIN’s move follows the death of a 20-year old after travelling to Turkey for a gastric sleeve operation.
PHIN said it was a reminder to everyone considering a cosmetic or medical procedure, or dental care, of the risks involved whether abroad or in the UK.
Dr Ian Gargan
Chief executive Dr Ian Gargan said: ‘Although we do not collect data from outside the UK, sources tell us that numbers of people reported as travelling abroad for elective medical and cosmetic surgery are often exaggerated in the media. Therefore, people shouldn’t assume that lots of other people are doing it, and that means everything is safe.
‘We know that with NHS waiting lists at high levels, people are looking for alternatives – our data shows record numbers are turning to the UK private sector. Therefore, it’s understandable that the lure of a cheaper option abroad can be very attractive, especially if it’s combined with a bit of warmer weather.
‘However, people should be aware that there are a variety of standards and regulations in different countries and that these may impact the treatment they receive. This includes complaints procedures should something go wrong.’
Misleading adverts
PHIN’s intervention comes following a number of misleading adverts cases brought to the attention of the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), the latest of which was reported at www.asa.org.uk/rulings/pasifik-health-services-inc-a23-1211995-pasifik-health-services-inc.html.
Dr Gargan warned people to be careful about trusting adverts or there could be a high cost. ‘As is so often the case, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is.
‘There is nothing necessarily wrong with travelling outside the UK for cosmetic or medical treatment, and many countries in Europe and beyond have excellent healthcare systems, but as with any cosmetic or medical treatment, it is important to do you research first.
‘It is also worth considering the fact that return appointments may be necessary – even if everything went perfectly to plan – and this could involve extra flight and hotel costs.’
PHIN is advising potential health tourists to:
Find trusted sources who can say what their experience will really be like;
Search out about the qualification and accreditation of the healthcare providers and facilities in their chosen country;
Check whether the medical care professionals are certified and whether the hospital or clinic adheres to international standards;
Use the PHIN website to find out more about their options and consider the healthcare they could receive without leaving the country;
Ensure they have an initial consultation – without any language barriers. The initial consultation is an important part of the process in the UK. It helps assess the healthcare facilities and understand the proposed treatment plan, quality of care available, potential risks and expected outcomes – and ensure they feel comfortable with the consultant who will be conducting their procedure;
Consider the overall safety of medical tourism destinations. Assess the prevalence of infectious diseases, the quality of healthcare infrastructure and the accessibility of emergency services. The Government offers travel advice on gov.uk;
Ask about follow-up care. Follow-up care is also very important, even if everything about the procedure is done to the highest standards. What happens afterwards, including how soon they travel hoe, can impact their health;
Ensure they can access any medical services and medicines required when they return. These won’t always be available in the UK.
PHIN added: ‘Patients returning to their home country and needing further treatment when something has gone wrong is believed to be costing the NHS £50m a year. It’s worth noting the NHS Scotland says it will always provide emergency care, where needed, but that it is under no obligation to provide further routine treatment.’